(a) whether there has been a constant decrease in the cultivable land-holdings of
farmers in the country during the last many years;
(b) if so, the average size of the cultivable land-holding in the country at present;
(c) whether it is economically viable to cultivate in such small land-holdings; and
(d) if not, the Government`s reaction thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a)&(b): Yes, Sir. As per Agricultural Censuses 1970-71, 1976-77, 1980-81, 1985-
86 and 1990-91, the average size per holding (in hectare) was 2.28, 2.00, 1.84, 1.69
and 1.55 respectively. The latest all-India results of Agricultural Census relate to
agricultural year 1990-91.
(c)&(d): The viability of an agricultural holding depends upon a variety of factors
including agro-climatic conditions, level of use of agricultural inputs, availability of
irrigation facilities, crop variety sown and the entrepreneurial skill of the farmer. No
conclusive evidence is available regarding the relationship between the size of an
agricultural holding and its economic viability.