THE PATTERN OF AGRICULTURAL LAND HOLDINGS IN INDIA

As per Phase-I results of the Agriculture Census, 2015-16, the number of operational holdings, i.e., land put to agricultural use, has increased to 14.6 crore in 2015-16 from 13.8 crore in 2010-11, thereby registering an increase of 5.3 per cent. The share of marginal holdings (less than 1 ha) in total operational holdings increased from 62.9 per cent in 2000-01 to 68.5 per cent in 2015-16, while the share of small holdings (1 ha to 2 ha) decreased from 18.9 per cent to 17.7 per cent during this period. Large holdings (above 4 ha) decreased from 6.5 per cent to 4.3 percent. The area operated by the marginal and small holdings increased from 38.9 per cent in 2000-01 to 47.4 per cent in 2015-16, while that of the large holdings decreased from 37.2 per cent to 20 per cent during this period.

Growing Number of Women Farmers – Women play a significant and crucial role in agriculture, including crop production, livestock production, horticulture, post-harvest operations, agro/social forestry, fisheries, etc. The share of operational holdings cultivated by women has increased from 11.7 per cent in 2005-06 to 13.9 per cent in 2015-16. The marginal and small holdings operated by women farmers together constitute 27.9 per cent of total operational holdings cultivated by women.