(a) whether 86 per cent of farmers fall into the small and marginal category in the country and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the average farm size is 1.15 hectares and there is no efficiency of scale in the country and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the consolidation of farm lands is not possible in the country and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the produce of farmers needs to be aggregated; and
(e) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a): According to the latest data available from Agriculture Census 2010-11, the marginal (below 1.00 hectare) and small (1.00 -2.00 hectare) holdings constitute 85.01 percent of the total number of operational holdings in the country.
A statement on state-wise marginal, small and total number of operational holdings based on Agriculture Census 2010-11 is placed at Annexure.
(b): According to the latest data available from Agriculture Census 2010-11, the average size of an operational holding in the country is 1.15 hectare as compared to 1.23 hectare in the previous Agriculture Census 2005-06.
However, the agricultural production in the country has been generally increasing with the exception of the years affected by drought, floods, other natural calamities, etc. Therefore, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that reduction in size of farm holding has adversely affected agricultural production in the country.
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(c) to (e): Since Agriculture & Land are state subjects, it is primarily the responsibility of States to take necessary steps for development of agriculture in their respective areas based on local needs and priorities. However, Government of India supplements the efforts of States through appropriate policy measures and budgetary support.
Aggregation of produce is important for improving the bargaining power of small and marginal farmers. Government of India is promoting Farmer Producer Organisation to mobilize farmers and build their capacity to collectively leverage their production and marketing strength.
The Government is also encouraging formation of Joint Liability Groups, cluster farming, etc. In addition, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Agriculture Market Scheme (e-NAM) etc. have been implemented.