Agriculture Census Scheme

The Agriculture Census Scheme is a Central Government-aided initiative approved during the 12th Five-Year Plan with an outlay of ₹1,091 crore. Its primary aim is to gather comprehensive data across various agricultural sectors to analyze, record, and preserve information based on social and economic conditions, ultimately aiding in the shaping of agricultural policies. The scheme is crucial for India's agricultural policy and strategy development.

Under this scheme, there are seven main components:

• Agriculture Census
• Situation Assessment Survey of Farmers
• Studying the Cost of Cultivation of Principal Crops
• Agro-Economic Research Centres
• Scheme of Planning, Management, and Policy Formulation
• Improvement of Agricultural Statistics
• Forecasting Agricultural Outputs

Agriculture Census

The Agriculture Census focuses on various operational characteristics such as holdings, cropping patterns, and irrigation status. These factors are documented based on size classes, social groups, and gender. This data is vital for planning agricultural development and establishing national priorities.

Objectives of Agriculture Census

• To describe the structure and characteristics of agriculture, providing statistical data on operational holdings, land utilization, livestock, agricultural machinery, and fertilizer use.
• To deliver benchmark data essential for formulating and evaluating new agricultural development programs.
• To provide a foundational framework for operational holdings for future agriculture surveys.
• To lay the groundwork for an integrated program for current agricultural statistics.

Features That Are Required

• The Agriculture Census is conducted with operational holdings as the unit, as it is a decision-making unit for agricultural development programs.
• An Operational Holding refers to land used for agricultural production, managed by an individual or group without recognized legal titles.
• The focus is solely on lands used for agricultural purposes, excluding those for livestock, fishing, or poultry.
• In India, the Agricultural Census is conducted every five years, spanning from July to June, known as the Agriculture Year.

The data is collected through two primary methods:

• In states with existing land records, data collection utilizes pre-existing land records.
• In states lacking comprehensive records, sampling techniques are employed.

Steps of Data Collection

The data collection process spans three phases:

Phase-1

1. Size Class – Marginal, Small, Semi-medium, Medium, Large
2. Social Groups – Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes, Others
3. Gender – Male/Female
4. Holding Types – Individual, Joint, Institutional

Phase-2

In this phase, 20% of villages are selected for a detailed survey to collect data such as:

• Irrigation status
• Tenancy particulars
• Cropping patterns
• Dispersal of Holdings

Phase-3

This phase, known as the input survey, selects 7% of villages in registration guidelines; it estimates input characteristics at district, state, and national levels. Data collected includes:

• Input Patterns – Fertilizer, Irrigation, Seed, Pest Management
• Agriculture credits
• Household size
• Holders' age
• Holders' educational level
• Multiple cropping patterns
• Holders' size group

For this survey, holdings operated by non-residents of the village are not included.

Planning for Implementation

• The Government of India coordinates and plans the Agriculture Census, while state officials execute it, ensuring data quality.
• The Agriculture Census Commissioner of India oversees the process, supported by state-level nucleus units.
• Nucleus staff work under a senior state officer's guidance.
• A State Level Coordination Committee (SLCC) monitors various census activities.

For guidance on similar processes, such as ITR filing in Chennai, specialized experts are also available.

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee plays a pivotal role in monitoring scheme progress across states and addresses technical issues as needed. This committee, formed at the Central Ministry of Agriculture, consists of representatives from multiple stakeholders.

Roles of the Steering Committee

• To provide advice on survey techniques and administrative issues
• To execute necessary scheduling modifications in data collection
• To establish linkages with other censuses
• To design the sampling framework

Computerised Data

• After fieldwork, data is processed and filtered for generating results.
• Post data entry, the database is validated, errors are rectified by respective states, and the final data is approved by state governments.

Explore solutions for ensuring accurate data management through initiatives like Malhar Certification.

Agencies to Process Data

The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC) engages professional agencies for efficient data processing, ensuring timely results.

Final Reports

Three primary reports are generated from the agriculture census data:

1. All India report on the number and area of operational holdings
2. All India report on agricultural census data featuring all farm characteristics
3. All India report on input surveys

Data monitoring is continuous through monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on both physical and financial progress. For more detailed legislative insights, see GST Return Filing.

Financial Assistance

The Census Scheme operates across all Indian states and Union Territories, with the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC) disbursing funds quarterly. These funds cover:

• Salary expenses
• Travel expenses for staff attending meetings, conferences, and training
• Office expenses, including stationery, equipment, vehicle hire, and temporary staffing
• Data entry, validation, and error correction in Extraordinary General Meetings
• Printing schedules and instructions for data collection
• Honorarium payments for all three data collection phases

For deeper insights into financial structuring aligned with this scheme, explore resources on Place of Supply Services.