The Remarkable History of India's Census: Evolution of Agricultural Census From 1970 to 2023

The Agricultural Census in India has been a vital tool in understanding the dynamics of the country's agriculture sector. Since its inception in 1970-71, this quinquennial initiative has evolved significantly, providing comprehensive data crucial for policy formulation and planning. In this article, we take a historical journey through the milestones and developments of the Agricultural Census in India.

1970-71: India's First Comprehensive Agricultural Census

The journey began in 1970-71 when India conducted its first-ever comprehensive Agricultural Census. This ambitious endeavor involved over one lakh village-level functionaries collecting data on various aspects of agriculture, including the number of operational holdings, land use, irrigation status, and cropping patterns. This initial effort laid the foundation for future agricultural data collection.

1976-77: Transition to Quinquennial Census

Encouraged by the utility of the data generated in the first Agricultural Census, the National Commission on Agriculture recommended that the Census should be conducted once every five years. Thus, the second Agriculture Census was carried out in 1976-77, with a broader scope that included a separate Input Survey to collect information on the use of inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery.

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1980-81: Inclusion of Marginalized Communities

The 1980-81 Agricultural Census, the third in the series, expanded its scope to include details about holdings operated by Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, acknowledging the importance of these marginalized communities in Indian agriculture. Additionally, the sample size for the Input Survey was increased to 7% of villages to cater to the growing need for disaggregated data.

1985-86: Introduction of Computer Technology

In a significant leap forward, the 1985-86 Agricultural Census became the first to utilize computer technology for data processing. Computers were employed at both the state and central levels, in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), to enhance the efficiency of data handling and analysis.

1990-91: Continuation of Data Collection

The 1990-91 Agricultural Census marked the fifth installment of this critical initiative. It continued the tradition of collecting comprehensive agricultural data, ensuring that policymakers had access to the most up-to-date and accurate information for informed decision-making.

1970-2023: A Decades-Long Journey of Agricultural Insights

Over the years, the Agricultural Census has played an integral role in shaping India's agricultural policies and strategies. It has contributed to the understanding of land utilization, crop diversity, livestock, and the use of technology in Indian agriculture. The Census has also been crucial in capturing the socio-economic characteristics of farmers.

The information gathered through these Agricultural Censuses has not only guided the government but has also been invaluable for researchers, economists, and agricultural experts, helping them formulate recommendations to boost agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the country.

As India continues to evolve and modernize its agriculture sector, the Agricultural Census remains an indispensable tool, adapting to new challenges and technological advancements, while maintaining its fundamental purpose of providing a comprehensive and accurate snapshot of Indian agriculture. This rich history reflects the commitment of India to agricultural development and the well-being of its farming community.

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