MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIA)
(a): In Agriculture Census, conducted at an interval of five years, the operational holdings are categorised in five size groups viz., Marginal, Small, Semi – Medium, Medium and Large. The number of operational holdings in these categories, based on results of latest Agriculture Census 2010-11 are given below:
S. No. Category of Operational Holding Number of operational holdings 1. Marginal(below 1.0 hectare) 92825979 2. Small(1.0 -2.0 hectare) 24779150 3. Semi-Medium(2.0 – 4.0 hectare) 13895552 4. Medium( 4.0 – 10.0 hectare) 5875017 5. Large( 10.0 hectare & above) 972763 6. Total 138348461
The Planning Commission estimates number of persons living below poverty line in the country. But since estimates of poverty are not prepared for different occupational categories of population, separate estimates of poverty are not available for farmers.
(b) & (c): A statement on State-wise average size of operational holdings in the country based on the results of Agriculture Censuses conducted during 2000-01, 2005-06 and 2010-11 is annexed. Fragmentation of land due to inheritance and diversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes are important reasons for shrinking of size of agricultural land holdings.
(d): The Government has taken several steps to revitalize the agriculture sector and improve condition of farming community on sustainable basis by increasing investment, improving farm practices, rural infrastructure, technology and other inputs, extension, marketing etc. Other measures taken by the Government for the benefit of farmers include enhancement in minimum support prices of agricultural commodities, increase in institutional credit flow to agriculture sector, debt waiver/relief, interest subvention on crop loans, revival package for strengthening Short Term Rural Cooperative Credit Structure, Crop Insurance, integrated farming system, promoting cultivation of cash crops and supplementing farmers’ income through poultry, fisheries, bee-keeping, etc.
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