Agricultural land measurement in India is an essential part of farming, land records, buying/selling plots, and legal documentation. Unlike many countries that follow a uniform metric system (hectares, acres), India still uses traditional land measurement units, which vary across states and regions. This can create confusion for farmers, buyers, and even officials.
In this guide, we explain the Indian system of agricultural land measurement, traditional units, modern metric conversions, and a handy reference chart.
Why Land Measurement is Important in Agriculture?
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Helps farmers calculate crop yield per area.
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Necessary for land registration, taxation, and legal disputes.
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Used in buying/selling agricultural plots.
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Supports government schemes and subsidies based on landholding size.
Traditional Units of Agricultural Land Measurement in India
India’s diversity is also reflected in its land measurement system. Each state has unique traditional units, though conversions to acres or hectares are now widely used.
Common Traditional Units:
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Bigha – Popular in North India (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, West Bengal).
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Katha – Used in Bihar, Assam, West Bengal.
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Guntha – Common in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh.
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Ground – Popular in Tamil Nadu.
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Cent – Used in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana.
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Gaj / Square Yard – Used in Haryana, Punjab, Delhi.
Metric Units (Standardized System)
To bring uniformity, the Indian government uses the metric system in official records:
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1 Hectare = 10,000 sq. meters (2.471 acres)
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1 Acre = 4,840 sq. yards (4,047 sq. meters)
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1 Sq. Meter = 10.764 sq. feet
State-Wise Land Measurement Units in India
Here’s a simplified list of traditional units and their approximate conversions:
Land Area Calculator: Used in India
Tip: Bigha/Gaj values vary by region. Use averaged values or customize in JS.
| Unit (English) | Unit (Hindi) | Approx. Conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Square Yard | वर्ग गज | 1 Sq. Yard = 1296 Sq. Inch (वर्ग इंच)
= 0.836 Sq. Meter (वर्ग मीटर) |
| Unwansi | उनवांसी | 1 Unwansi = 24.5 Sq. Inch
= 0.170 Sq. Feet (वर्ग फुट) |
| Kachwansi | कचवांसी | = 20 Unwansi (20 उनवांसी)
= 490 Sq. Inch = 3.40 Sq. Feet = 0.378 Sq. Yard = 0.316 Sq. Meter |
| Biswansi | बिसवांसी | 1 Biswansi = 9801 Sq. Inch
= 68 Sq. Feet = 7.56 Sq. Yard = 6.32 Sq. Meter = 1 Sq. Gattha |
| Muthi | मुट्ठी | 1 Muthi = 135 Sq. Feet
= 45 Sq. Yard |
| Bissa | बिस्सा / बिस्वा | 1 Bissa = 20 Biswansi
= 1361 Sq. Feet = 151 Sq. Yard = 126 Sq. Meter |
| Naali | नाली | 1 Naali = 2160 Sq. Feet
= 240 Sq. Yard = 16 Muthi |
| Kaccha Bigha | कच्चा बीघा | 1 Kaccha Bigha = 9075 Sq. Feet
= 1008 Sq. Yard + 3 Sq. Feet = 843 Sq. Meter ≈ 0.21 Acre |
| Pucca Bigha | पक्का बीघा | 1 Pucca Bigha = 3 Kaccha Bigha
= 27225 Sq. Feet = 3025 Sq. Yard = 2529 Sq. Meter |
| Acre | एकड़ | 1 Acre = 43560 Sq. Feet = 4840 Sq. Yard
= 4047 Sq. Meter = 4.8 Kaccha Bigha / 1.6 Pucca Bigha |
| Hectare | हेक्टेयर | 1 Hectare = 10000 Sq. Meter
= 2.47 Acre ≈ 3.95 Pucca Bigha = 11.86 Kaccha Bigha |
Challenges in Land Measurement in India
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Variation across states makes conversion tricky.
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Farmers often face disputes due to incorrect measurements.
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Lack of awareness about standard metric conversions.
Digital Land Records & Modernization
The Indian government is digitizing land records under initiatives like DILRMP (Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme). Online portals now allow farmers and landowners to:
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Check land records online.
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View exact measurements in acres/hectares.
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Download maps and survey details.
Conclusion
The Indian system of agricultural land measurement reflects the country’s cultural diversity but also creates confusion due to varying units across states. With the adoption of the metric system and the push for digital land records, the process is becoming more transparent and farmer-friendly.
Understanding these measurement units helps farmers, buyers, and policymakers make informed decisions about land, agriculture, and investments.
