Economics of seasonal migration

Seasonal migration of farm labour from dry and backward tract to cooperative sugar units in irrigated belts for employment and income earning is a well-known phenomenon in Maharashtra. About four lakhs of seasonal migrants are engaged in harvesting and transport of sugarcane during the crushing season of sugar factories in the State. The knowledge regarding their distinct economic characteristics, causes and consequences of seasonal migration is imperative for framing suitable policy measures aimed at balanced economic growth. The author has elaborately discussed these issues in this book.

Two ended approach which is needed in migration studies has been adopted. The economic data obtained from a sample of migrant households both at the place of origin and at the place of work and also from a control sample of non-migrants belonging to the same area of origin have been scienti fically analyzed and compared. The farm business economy and resource productivity on the farms of migrant and non-migrant households have been presented. The author then identifies the important factors behind the process of seasonal migration. The economic consequences of seasonal migration on employment and income of migrants have been carefully assessed by adopting suitable econometric tools. The author finally suggests to accord priorities for the establishment of agro-based industries to generate employment and income earning opportunities in rural areas for the benefit of weaker sections in agriculture.

This book is a unique contribution in the area of agricultural labour.