Sharecroppers eligible for benefits under Central schemes subject to State identification

**Policy Summary: Eligibility of Sharecroppers for Central Government Schemes** **Overview and Jurisdiction** The Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has clarified that matters concerning land management fall under the legislative and administrative jurisdiction of State Governments. Consequently, the Central Government’s role remains advisory. While the Government of India has not conducted specific assessments regarding the challenges faced by sharecroppers (tenant farmers) in accessing credit, insurance, or benefits—specifically citing states like Maharashtra—it maintains that these farmers are eligible for federal support. **Data and Research** Information regarding the extent and incidence of tenancy is currently derived from the National Sample Survey (NSS) Report No. 587 (77th Round, 2019), titled “Situation Assessment of Agricultural Households.” This report provides data on tenancy as a component of operational holdings. **Scheme Eligibility and Requirements** Sharecroppers are eligible to participate in various Central Government initiatives, most notably: * **Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)** * **Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)** Access to these benefits is strictly subject to the identification and certification of sharecroppers by their respective State Governments, as agriculture and land are classified as State subjects. **Administrative Details** This information was formally presented by Shri Ramnath Thakur, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on March 24, 2026. **Contact and Reference Information** * **Release ID:** 2244669 * **Originating Office:** PIB Mumbai (Edgar Coelho/Darshana Rane) * **Email:** pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com * **Social Media:** @PIBMumbai (Twitter), /PIBMumbai (Facebook), /pibmumbai (Instagram/YouTube)

Key Entities Referenced