6. Small Size of Holdings and Fragmentation of Fields

Over 70 per cent of the holdings are either small or marginal, i.e. less than one hectare. The small size of holdings is mainly due to the law of inheritance and other sociocultural and economic factors. Moreover, the fields are scattered and fragmented. The small size of holdings and fragmented fields are unsuitable for tire modern methods of agriculture.

Table 9.3 Size of Holdings

Category Area (hectares) Percentage of No. of operation Percentage of Measure in holdings holdings (in millions) area hectares

Source: Statistical Abstracts of India 200.5-06.

It may be seen from Table 9.3 that about 51 per cent holdings of the country are marginal farmers having less than one hectare ofland. About 20 per cent are in the small category, and 11 per cent in the medium category, while only 4 per cent are the large category farmers, having more than 10 hectares.