Land-holding farmers doing non-farming activities helps efficiency
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)
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Topic: GS3 – Agriculture |
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Context |
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Study Focus
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It focused on farmers from Odisha, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh using data from 2010 to 2014.
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The study used data from the Village Dynamics in South Asia Project by ICRISAT.
Method of Analysis
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A mathematical method called data envelopment analysis was used to measure how efficiently farmers used their labour.
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This method compares efficiency without needing to know the exact process each farmer uses.
Key Findings
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Farmers who took up non-farm work or migrated gained new farming knowledge and applied it on their farms.
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After sowing, many farmers had free time, during which family members or hired workers managed the farms.
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Those with more land and resources could hire labourers in their absence.
Recommendations and Implications
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The study suggests creating structured non-farm job opportunities in villages to improve farm outcomes.
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Farming is becoming riskier due to climate change and price instability, leading to diversification into small businesses or migration.
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Non-farm jobs help farmers learn new skills and invest in better farming practices.
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It also highlights the need for government support due to credit constraints faced by farmers.
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Practice Question: How does multiple job holding among land-holding farmers influence farm labour use efficiency? Suggest policy interventions to promote productive non-farm employment in rural areas. (150 Words /10 marks) |
