(a) whether the size of agricultural land holdings is shrinking with passage of time in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor;
(c) the per farmer average size of land holdings in the country at present, State-wise;
(d) whether indigenous agricultural techniques have been developed to address the problem of the small size farm land; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a): Yes, Madam.
(b): According to the latest two Agriculture Censuses, the average size of operational holdings has decreased from 1.23 hectare in 2005-06 to 1.15 hectare in 2010-11. However, the total number of operational holdings has increased from 129.22 million to 138.35 million during the same period.
(c): Agriculture Census conducted at five yearly intervals, inter alia, collect data on number and area of individual, joint and institutional operational holdings. A statement on average size of operational holding in various States/UTs based on latest two Agriculture Censuses is placed at the Annexure.
(d) & (e): The Government has taken several measures to make small land holdings more viable. These include adoption of modern technologies, promoting organic farming, usage of Neem Coated Urea, horticulture, floriculture, and practices like multiple cropping, intercropping and integrated farming systems. A number of tools and equipments suitable for small farms have been developed and introduced. Support is also provided to various categories of farmers through programmes like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, National Food Security Mission, Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India, Rashtirya Krishi Vikas Yojana, National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology, Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation etc.