Eleventh Agricultural Census (2021-22)

The Eleventh Agricultural Census (2021-22) was launched in the country today by the Union Minister fo Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Tomar said that this computation will bring huge benefits in a vast and agricultural country like India. Shri Tomar said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasis is being given on increasing farmers income. Besides there is a need to change their standard of living, organize small farmers in order to empower them, attract them towards remunerative crops and ensure the quality of the produce at par with global standards.

During the programme, Shri Tomar conveyed his greetings for the Agriculture Census and said that the Agriculture sector is reaping the fruits of concrete steps taken by Prime Minister Modi, the country is rapidly moving towards digital agriculture. This is the time to make full use of technology in this computation. He said that Agriculture Census should be thought of in a broader perspective. Agricultural computations can also contribute to the mapping of crops, so that the country gets its benefits. Shri Tomar asked the Central Departments, State Governments and concerned institutions to carry out this census with full dedication.

Agriculture Census is conducted every 5 years, which is being undertaken now after delay due to corona source of information on a variety of agricultural parameters at a relatively minute level, such as the number and area of operational holdings, their size, class-wise distribution, land use, tenancy and cropping pattern, etc. This is the first time that data collection for agricultural census will be conducted on smart phones and tablets, so that data is available in time. Most of the States have digitized their land records and surveys, which will further accelerate the collection of agricultural census data. The use of digitized land records and the use of mobile apps for data collection will enable the creation of a database of operational holdings in the country.

The Agricultural Census 2021-22 provides extensive data on agricultural holdings, land use, and farming practices. some key data points are:

1. Number of Agricultural Holdings:

Total Holdings: Approximately 146.5 million agricultural holdings were recorded.

2. Land Holdings by Size:

Small Holdings: Holdings less than 1 hectare accounted for around 85% of total holdings.

Medium Holdings: Holdings between 1 to 4 hectares constituted about 12% of total holdings.

Large Holdings: Holdings of 4 hectares or more made up approximately 3% of total holdings.

3. Average Size of Holdings:

National Average: The average size of agricultural holdings was about 1.08 hectares.

4. Cultivated Area:

Total Cultivated Area: Approximately 159 million hectares were under cultivation.

5. Ownership and Tenancy:

Owner-Operated Holdings: About 84% of the holdings were owner-operated.

Tenanted Holdings: Tenanted holdings represented roughly 16% of the total.

6. Operational Holdings:

Total Operational Holdings: Operational holdings were around 148 million.

7. Regional Distribution:

Major Agricultural States: Significant data variations exist across states, with large holdings concentrated in specific regions, while smaller holdings are more widespread.

8. Technology and Practices:

Irrigation: The extent of irrigated area and the types of irrigation methods used are detailed.

Machinery Usage: Data on the adoption of machinery and technology in farming practices is also included.

9. Demographic Details:

Age and Gender: Insights into the age distribution and gender representation among farmers are provided.