(a) whether the Government has conducted Agricultural Census to collect data on farm households and agricultural activities, if so, the details the outcome thereof, State-wise; and
(b) whether shortage of water is the most common cause of crop failure in various parts of the country, if so, the details thereof and steps being taken to overcome the situation?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a): Agriculture Census is conducted at an interval of five years to collect data on structural characteristics of operational holdings (defined as “all land which is wholly or partly used for agriculture production, and is operated as one technical unit by one person alone or with others without regard to title, legal form, size or location”) in the country. In Agriculture Census, the basic unit of data collection is the operational holding. However, data on farm households is not collected in Agriculture Census.
Statement on State-wise number and area of operational holdings as per latest Agriculture Census 2010-11 is placed in the annexure.
(b): According to Agriculture Census 2010-11, about 45.70 percent of the Net Area Sown is irrigated. However, in Agriculture Census, data relating to reasons of crop failure in various parts of the country is not collected.
Government of India is committed to give high priority to water security. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) has been launched with the motto of ‘Har Khet Ko Paani’. PMKSY aims at providing end-to-end solutions in irrigation supply chain, viz. water sources, distribution network and farm level applications. PMKSY not only focuses on creating sources for assured irrigation, but also creating protective irrigation by harnessing rain water at micro level through ‘Jal Sanchay’ and ‘Jal Sinchan’. Micro irrigation will be popularised to ensure ‘Per drop-More crop’. PMKSY adopts State level planning and projectised execution that allows States to draw up their own irrigation development based on District Irrigation Plans and State Irrigation Plans.