DISTRIBUTION OF AGRICULTURAL LANDHOLDINGS IN INDIA-WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO TAMILNADU AND UTTAR PRADESH

Agriculture is crucial to the Indian economy, serving as a source of income for a significant portion of the population. The distribution of agricultural land in India reveals pronounced inequality. Over time, both population growth and the subdivision of land have led to a rapid rise in the number of small and marginal farmers. This research investigates the patterns and distribution of agricultural landholdings in India, focusing on Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh by using NSSO data. It identifies differences in both size and operational characteristics of landholdings within these states. Since Tamil Nadu has a higher population density and intensive farming practices, it tends to have smaller and more fragmented land holdings, whereas Uttar Pradesh has a substantial presence of marginal and small holdings accompanied by notable regional inequalities. The findings highlight the necessity for proactive policies regarding land organization, consolidation of holdings, and the adoption of sustainable agricultural methods to enhance productivity while fostering equitable growth in the agricultural sector.