Describe the changing structure of land holdings in Andhra Pradesh in the past two decades
In short
Over the past two decades, landholdings in Andhra Pradesh have become smaller and more fragmented, increasingly leased rather than owned, and more often on fixed cash rent. About 34.8% of operated area was under tenancy by 2012-13, and fixed rent tenancy rose from 29.9% to 55% between 2002 and 2012.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 241 words
Growth of Marginal and Small Holdings
Fragmentation from inheritance and population growth has increased marginal and small holdings, notably in the Godavari-Krishna delta, aligning with national trends.
Expansion of Tenancy Cultivation
The share of leased-in land by tenants, especially Scheduled Castes, has risen sharply, exceeding all-India averages and reflecting a shift towards tenancy-based farming.
Legal Reforms and Assigned Lands
Amendments in tenancy laws (1956, 2011, 2019) and the 2023 Assigned Lands Act have regulated leases and enabled transfer of assigned lands; over 20.24 lakh farmers gained freehold titles covering 35.45 lakh acres, empowering Dalits but also sparking controversies.
Socio-Economic and Caste Dynamics
Forward castes moving to non-farm sectors lease lands to marginalized groups, reshaping agrarian relations and reflecting caste-based inequalities.
Land Security and Vulnerability
Title deeds have improved tenure security and credit access, while rising fixed rent tenancy increases tenant farmers’ economic risks, limiting investment capacity.
Fragmentation Challenges
Predominance of small holdings hinders mechanization and scale economies, requiring cooperative or FPO models for productivity gains.
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Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2012 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.