DC Udhampur Pushes for Precision in 11th Agriculture Census Data Collection

On August 18, 2025, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Udhampur, Saloni Rai, led a key meeting of the District Level Coordination Committee to review the progress of the 11th Agriculture Census in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. The focus was on ensuring the accuracy of Phase-II data, which is vital for understanding the region’s agricultural landscape. Held in Udhampur, the meeting brought together officials to discuss and finalize the data collection process, emphasizing the need for reliable and precise information.

The meeting saw the participation of IAS Probationer Seerat Baji, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Dr. Umesh Shan, District Statistics & Evaluation Officer Darshan Kumar, and all Tehsildars, along with other concerned officers. Darshan Kumar kicked off the session with a detailed presentation on the Phase-II data, covering essential details like the number of agricultural operational holders, land utilization patterns, tenancy status, and irrigation facilities across the district.

DC Saloni Rai conducted a thorough Tehsil-wise review of the data, ensuring every detail was carefully examined. She stressed the importance of accuracy, directing all Tehsildars to double-check the data for correctness and clarity. “Every entry must be precise and acceptable,” she emphasized, highlighting how reliable data shapes agricultural policies and supports farmers.

Agriculture Census, conducted every five years in India, is a large-scale effort to collect data on the country’s farming sector. The 11th Agriculture Census, with the reference year 2021-22, is being carried out in three phases. Phase-II focuses on gathering detailed information about operational holdings, including land use, cropping patterns, irrigation, and tenancy. This data helps the government understand farmers’ needs, plan better policies, and allocate resources effectively.

In Udhampur, this census is especially important as it provides insights into the district’s agricultural practices, helping to improve support for farmers. Accurate data ensures that schemes like irrigation projects, crop insurance, and subsidies reach the right people at the right time.

DC Saloni Rai’s emphasis on data accuracy reflects her commitment to strengthening Udhampur’s agricultural framework. By instructing Tehsildars to scrutinize every entry, she ensured that the data collected is trustworthy and usable for future planning. Her proactive approach aligns with the broader goal of the Agriculture Census to create a clear picture of India’s farming sector.

The meeting also showcased teamwork, with officials from various departments working together to streamline the process. The involvement of the District Statistics and Evaluation Office, which plays a key role in coordinating data collection, was crucial in making the review productive.

The 11th Agriculture Census is a vital step toward supporting farmers and improving agricultural practices in Udhampur and beyond. With DC Saloni Rai’s focus on precision, the district is set to contribute high-quality data to this nationwide effort. This will pave the way for better policies, improved infrastructure, and enhanced support for farmers in the region.