Loading...
Theses
Browse
1 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access DYNAMICS OF AGRICULTURAL LABOUR - ITS DEMAND AND SUPPLY ANALYSIS IN ASSAM(2023) Dutta, Pompi; Gogoi, P.B.India's economy underwent transformation as agriculture's role shifted. In the 1950s, 70% of the workforce relied on agriculture, but technological progress and labor migration led to a decline. India diversified, fostering a balanced economy. Assam saw similar changes. Female participation in agriculture rose, but women preferred labor-intensive roles to cultivation. Migration from agriculture to non-agricultural sectors posed challenges. Climate change disrupted labor and rainfall patterns, affecting farming. Mechanization aimed to reduce labor, but its adoption varied due to factors like farm size. Ensuring equitable benefits of technology and addressing climate and migration challenges are essential. Despite advancements, full automation remains distant, with human involvement crucial. Addressing small farmers' needs and nuanced tasks is vital for balanced progress. Women's role in agriculture grew, but challenges persist. Policy efforts must sustain agriculture, empower workers, and achieve sustainable development. the aim of this research is to measure the disparities in demand and supply, identify what triggers these discrepancies, and evaluate how these causative factors influence the gap. The specific objectives of this study include : a. Examine the magnitude of agricultural labour at disaggregated levels in Assam; b. Estimate the demand for and supply of agricultural labour across agricultural operations with gender participation c. Analyze the effect of farm mechanization, migration and climate change on labour employment decisions d. Study the problems of agricultural labour and suggest suitable measures, if required. The findings of the study indicate a noteworthy shift in the distribution of labor within the agricultural sector. Both main workers and marginal workers have exhibited a decline in the proportion of cultivators, coinciding with a rise in the number of agricultural laborers. Notably, the labor dynamics exhibit a significant contrast between the UBVZ and CBVZ regions. The UBVZ region faces a situation where the demand for labor surpasses the available supply, while the CBVZ region experiences an inverse scenario. Furthermore, the implementation of mechanization practices has led to a reduction in the labor force engaged in mechanized farms utilizing tractors and threshers. In regions prone to floods and droughts, there is an observable surge in labor demand, particularly during transplanting activities. It is noteworthy that the UBVZ region addresses labor shortages during peak seasons through the employment of migrant laborers. The challenges faced by farmers are multifaceted, encompassing issues such as labor scarcity and unavailability of machinery. These observations carry implications for policy and agricultural practices, suggesting the need for targeted interventions in regions with varying labor dynamics and specific challenges related to workforce availability and mechanization.
