Introduction:

The article published in the editorial section of The Hindu Newspaper discusses the role of migrants in farming in Tamil Nadu, specifically in the Cauvery Delta region. This area, known for its rich agriculture, is facing a shortage of local farm workers. As younger generations move away from farming in search of stable jobs in cities, migrant labourers from other parts of India are stepping in to fill the gap, especially during busy farming seasons like planting and harvesting.

Article Explanation

The article explores the gradual arrival of migrant workers from different parts of India in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery Delta region, a significant agricultural area often referred to as the “granary of South India.” This shift is occurring due to a severe shortage of local farm workers, driven by the younger generation moving away from agriculture in search of more stable jobs in cities, leaving older generations to handle most of the farming responsibilities.

To fill this labour gap, workers from states like West Bengal and Bihar are migrating to Tamil Nadu, especially during peak agricultural seasons like paddy planting and harvesting. These migrant labourers are highly skilled in farm work, particularly in paddy transplantation, and are sought after by local farmers for their fast and efficient work at relatively lower wages. For example, a group of 13 migrant workers can transplant paddy on four to five acres of land in a day, charging ₹4,500 to ₹5,000 per acre, while local labourers typically demand higher daily wages but cover less ground.

Though the presence of migrant workers in the agricultural sector is becoming more noticeable, it hasn’t yet caused concern among local labour unions or workers. The influx remains relatively small in farming, compared to other sectors like industry, where migrant labour is more widespread. The issue of labour shortages in farming is partly due to young people in the region opting for more secure employment opportunities in urban areas. This exodus of younger labour has left farming largely in the hands of middle-aged and elderly individuals, making it inevitable for farmers to turn to outside labour for help.

Migrant workers tend to focus on urban and semi-urban areas where there is a shortage of local labour, avoiding places with a larger local workforce. Labour unions have pointed out that this trend hasn’t caused any major conflicts between migrant and local workers so far. However, to avoid potential disputes in the future, some believe that ensuring equal pay for both migrant and local labourers is essential.

The shift in the agricultural workforce is also influenced by broader socio-economic changes. Historically, many people with lower levels of education would turn to agricultural work, but now more individuals seek jobs in cities. This trend, along with programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), has contributed to the shrinking local workforce. While some farmers blame MGNREGA for labour shortages and rising wages, others argue that the program doesn’t provide enough consistent work. In some cases, it has been suggested that confining MGNREGA work to the off-season for agriculture would reduce the need for migrant workers.

In the past, strong labour unions ensured that local farmworkers had priority for jobs in agriculture, and there was resistance to both mechanization and the hiring of migrant workers. However, as more local labourers became involved in MGNREGA and other job opportunities, their influence over agricultural operations began to decline. This, in turn, opened the door for the mechanization of farming, which has helped to reduce the reliance on manual labour.

The article also highlights the challenges faced by agricultural workers like Indira, a 68-year-old woman from the Parasanallur panchayat in the Mayiladuthurai district. Indira, once part of a vibrant local agricultural workforce, now struggles to find employment outside of the main paddy cultivation season, as the number of available jobs has drastically decreased over the years. Her plight reflects a larger trend of declining agricultural labour in the region, where once-thriving labour forces have dwindled significantly, leaving only a few elderly workers to sustain the fields.

Another underlying issue in this shift is the caste system, which historically created tensions between landowners and agricultural workers who often belonged to different castes. However, with Tamil Nadu’s high gross enrollment ratio in higher education, nearly half the population now pursues higher education, further diminishing the likelihood of younger generations returning to agricultural labour. This combination of factors—migration, mechanization, education, and economic policies—points to a significant transformation in the agricultural landscape of Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion:

The farming landscape in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery Delta is undergoing significant change. As local labour dwindles and more young people move to urban areas, migrant workers and machines are gradually taking over. While this shift is helping to fill the immediate labour shortage, it also signals a long-term transformation in how farming is done in the region. With changes in education, economic policies, and labour dynamics, the future of farming in Tamil Nadu is likely to look very different from the past.

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The Editorial Page of The Hindu is an essential reading for all the students aspiring for UPSC, SSC, PCS, Judiciary etc or any other competitive government exams.

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