Comprehensive Guide to Crop Registration and Monitoring

The Register of Crops, officially known as Village Form XII, is a crucial document maintained in every village to record the types and areas of crops cultivated. This register is updated annually following specific guidelines set out in Rule 30 of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Record of Rights (Preparation and Maintenance) Rules, 1971, ensuring a detailed and accurate account of agricultural activities.

1. Annual Inspection: The Talathi, under directives from the collector, conducts annual inspections of crops while they are still in the fields. This period varies for different crops and is designated by the collector. During these visits, the Talathi records details in the Register of Crops, using Village Form XIII.

2. Village Form XIII (Register of Crops) Layout:

• Cropped Area Details: Includes mixed and pure crops with details about irrigated and unirrigated hectares.
• Non-cultivable Land: Specifies areas not available for cultivation and their characteristics.
• Irrigation Sources and General Remarks: Notes the source of irrigation and any pertinent observations about the crops or fields.

3. Pre-visit Notification: At least seven days before his visit, the Talathi sets the inspection date and notifies the villagers using traditional methods like drum beating. This announcement is also communicated to the village Panchayat's Sarpanch, who assists in informing the villagers to ensure their presence during the inspection.

4. Field Visits: On the scheduled day, the Talathi, accompanied by Panchayat members and the Sarpanch, inspects each field. He allows land stakeholders to observe the entries made, ensuring transparency and accuracy.

5. Post-entry Verification: After the Talathi completes the entries, a higher-ranking officer such as a Circle Inspector verifies these records. This officer visits the village, examines the entries, and makes corrections if necessary, ensuring the reliability of the data recorded.

During the crop inspection, the Talathi also verifies the actual possession of the land against the recorded rights. Discrepancies are noted in a separate register (Form XIV), which lists individuals in possession of land different from those recorded in the official records. This register includes:

• Identification Details: Survey numbers, sub-division, and Khate numbers.
• Possession Details: Names of current possessors not officially recorded, along with the possession dates and remarks.