(a) whether the Government conducts agriculture survey every five years;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the items and years for which the last survey was
conducted; and
(c) the details of the outcome of these surveys and the efforts made by the
Government to increase the scope of such surveys?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) & (b): Agriculture Census in India is conducted at an interval of five years, which
covers, inter-alia, data on number and area of operational holdings by size-group, social
category and gender; agricultural characteristics of holdings; and, finally, input use
pattern. The last Agriculture Census was conducted in 2005-06 (July, 2005 to June,
2006).
(c): Tables showing results (number and area of operational holdings for different size-
class) of various Agriculture Censuses conducted in the country are annexed. The
number of operational holdings under the marginal, small, and semi-medium size holdings
has increased, whereas those of medium and large size groups have decreased over the
years.
The scope of Agriculture Census in the country has been enhanced over the years
on the basis of inputs received from various stake holders. Further, there is a Steering
Committee to guide on various technical and administrative aspects of Agriculture Census
Scheme to improve the scope of the scheme.