In which agricultural year was India's first agriculture census carried out?

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: C. 1970-71

Explanation: 

• The first comprehensive Agriculture Census in India was conducted with the agricultural year 1970-71 as the reference period.

• It was part of the 1970 World Agricultural Census Programme sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

• Since then, it has been conducted at intervals of every 5 years (quinquennially).

Information Booster

• Conducted by: Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

• Statistical Unit: The primary unit for data collection is the "Operational Holding" (land used wholly or partly for agricultural production and operated as one technical unit).

• Three Phases: The census is typically conducted in three distinct phases: (I) Listing of holdings, (II) Detailed survey on irrigation/cropping, and (III) Input Survey.

Additional Information

• Recent Census: The 11th Agriculture Census (2021-22) was launched in July 2022. It is the first time data collection is being done via smartphones and tablets.

• 1950 & 1960: During these years, data was collected through sample surveys by the National Sample Survey (NSS), but a complete census was not conducted.