Parliament Question: Challenges faced by Sharecroppers

O.I.H GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 5266 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 24TH MARCH, 2026 CHALLENGES FACED BY SHARECROPPERS 5266. Shri Bhumare Sandipanrao Asaram: Shri Nilesh Dnyandev Lanke: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ िष एवं िकसान क(cid:670)ाण मं(cid:361)ी be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has assessed the challenges faced by sharecroppers in various States of the country, particularly in Maharashtra, such as access to credit facilities, insurance and benefits, if so, the details thereof; (b) whether any steps have been taken by the Government to recognise sharecroppers and include them in Government schemes, if so, the details thereof; and (c) whether there is a plan to work with the Government of States to protect the rights and livelihood of sharecroppers, if so, the details and time-frame fixed in this regard ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ िष एवं िकसान क(cid:670)ाण रा(cid:475) मं(cid:361)ी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR) (a) to (c): The subject relating to land and its management falls within the legislative and administrative jurisdiction of States and the role of Central Government is only advisory in nature. The Government of India has not carried out any specific assessment of the challenges faced by sharecroppers (tenant farmers) in various States, including Maharashtra, with regard to access to credit facilities, insurance, or government benefits. The NSS Report No. 587 (77th Round, 2019) on "Situation Assessment of Agricultural Households" provides information only on the extent and incidence of tenancy as part of operational holdings. Sharecroppers are eligible to avail benefits under various Government of India schemes, such as the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The inclusion of sharecroppers under these schemes are subject to their identification and certification by the respective State Governments, as agriculture and land are State subjects. *****