According to 2010-11 Agricultural census what is the percentage of small land holdings in H.P.?
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation:
According to the 2010-11 Agricultural Census of Himachal Pradesh, the percentage of Small land holdings (size between 1.0 to 2.0 hectares) was 18.17%.
Note on other options: Option (A) 8.84% was the percentage of “Semi-medium” holdings during the same census.
📚 Additional Info: Agricultural Profile of HP
For upcoming exams, it is crucial to know the latest data from the 2015-16 Agricultural Census, as the structure of land holdings has shifted slightly.
1. Classification of Land Holdings
| Category | Size of Holding (Hectares) | 2010-11 Census (%) | 2015-16 Census (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marginal | Below 1.0 ha | 69.78% | 71.50% |
| Small | 1.0 to 2.0 ha | 18.17% | 17.06% |
| Semi-Medium | 2.0 to 4.0 ha | 8.84% | 8.44% |
| Medium | 4.0 to 10.0 ha | 2.86% | 2.68% |
| Large | 10.0 ha and Above | 0.34% | 0.30% |
2. Key Takeaways for HP Economy
- Predominance of Marginal & Small Farmers: Together, Marginal and Small farmers constitute roughly 88.56% (as per 2015-16 data) of the total land holdings in the state.
- Average Holding Size: The average size of a land holding in Himachal Pradesh is continuously shrinking due to the fragmentation of families. It was 0.99 hectares in 2010-11 and decreased to 0.95 hectares in 2015-16.
- Topography Challenge: Because the majority of holdings are marginal and located on terraced hillsides, the scope for heavy mechanization is severely limited in HP.