Agricultural Labor Research Articles

Role of Hired Agricultural Labour in Crop Production: Evidence From the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam

Insufficient availability of family labour is a major hurdle in farm operations in India, which compels farmers to use hired agricultural labour. Given the importance of manpower in farm operation, the use of hired labour in agriculture is expected to play a vital role in agricultural development. Hence, the present article aims to examine the role of hired agricultural labour in crop production in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam in North East India. The study is based mainly on farm-level data collected using a multi-stage sampling technique from 237 field crop-cultivating households. Analysis using simple statistical tools depicts that a large majority of farmers of all size classes depend on hired labour for different farming activities. The extent of use of hired agricultural labour is more for larger farmers relative to smaller farmers. Further, larger farmers hire agricultural labour more or less equally for all types of activities, while small and marginal farmers hire such labour mostly for activities requiring group efforts. Tobit regression analysis depicts a significant role of hired agricultural labour in improving cropping intensity and crop diversification, but the fragmented nature of the market for agricultural labour calls for government intervention. JEL Codes: Q12, Q13

Key Technologies for Autonomous Fruit- and Vegetable-Picking Robots: A Review

With the rapid pace of urbanization, a significant number of rural laborers are migrating to cities, leading to a severe shortage of agricultural labor. Consequently, the modernization of agriculture has become a priority. Autonomous picking robots represent a crucial component of agricultural technological innovation, and their development drives progress across the entire agricultural sector. This paper reviews the current state of research on fruit- and vegetable-picking robots, focusing on key aspects such as the vision system sensors, target detection, localization, and the design of end-effectors. Commonly used target recognition algorithms, including image segmentation and deep learning-based neural networks, are introduced. The challenges of target recognition and localization in complex environments, such as those caused by branch and leaf obstruction, fruit overlap, and oscillation in natural settings, are analyzed. Additionally, the characteristics of the three main types of end-effectors—clamping, suction, and cutting—are discussed, along with an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each design. The limitations of current agricultural picking robots are summarized, taking into account the complexity of operation, research and development costs, as well as the efficiency and speed of picking. Finally, the paper offers a perspective on the future of picking robots, addressing aspects such as environmental adaptability, functional diversity, innovation and technological convergence, as well as policy and farm management.

Reproductive Justice and Agricultural Labor Migrants

Reproductive Justice and Agricultural Labor Migrants

Innovative Social Groups in the Institutional Changes of the Russian Countryside

The article considers the formation of innovative social groups in the social structure of the Russian countryside, broadcasting the managerial style of thinking and lifestyle of an active subject of agricultural labor. The current model of the agricultural market was formed under the powerful institutional pressure of market reforms. These objective social processes transformed the mentality of rural residents, gave rise to various labor practices, including employment in the informal sector, from which innovative market models of behavior in the agricultural labor market emerged. Using the example of farms and rural entrepreneurs, innovative layers in the labor market are shown, the criteria for which are an increase in agricultural land, production growth using new technologies and digital equipment, access to export markets. The information base consists of data from large-scale panel studies of Rosstat 2011–2022 and the All-Russian agricultural censuses of 2006, 2016, 2021. Institutional changes in the agricultural labor market have been identified, within the framework of which innovative groups are being formed. The development of innovative technologies used in agriculture requires the involvement of highly qualified labor. However, there is an acute shortage of personnel in the agricultural labor market. The wages of a significant segment of jobs in the rural market do not ensure economic stability. The survival strategy remains the main factor in the socio-economic behavior of rural residents, which determines the employment of most of them in non-agricultural sectors in the agricultural labor market. The crisis of agricultural organizations and the arrival of high-tech capitalist forms of production in agriculture cause the migration of the rural population to cities. Despite significant government support for agriculture, there is a shortage of engineering specialties and skilled workers. All these processes hinder the emergence and development of new innovative groups in rural areas. The foreign experience of the functioning of an institutionalized system of information networks and consulting for farmers and small businesses in agriculture is also presented.

Optimizing Agricultural Labor Management In India: A Mobile-Based Approach For Efficient Workforce Allocation

Optimizing Agricultural Labor Management In India: A Mobile-Based Approach For Efficient Workforce Allocation

Comparative Study on Cost Analysis of Mechanical and Manual Transplanting of Rice

In Telangana, rice cultivation predominantly relies on traditional manual transplanting, which requires a significant labor force. However, the migration of agricultural laborers to urban areas in search of better wages has led to a shortage of workers, particularly during the critical transplanting season. To address this labor shortage and reduce cultivation costs, an efficient and cost-effective method of rice transplanting is essential, without compromising grain yield. To explore such a solution, Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Jammikunta, Karimnagar district, conducted 30 frontline demonstrations between 2018-19 and 2020-21, showcasing rice cultivation using a self-propelled, walk-behind six-row mechanical transplanter. The performance of this mechanical method was evaluated by collecting data on various growth parameters, including plant height, number of productive tillers per hill, panicle length, grains per panicle, and grain yield, and comparing it with traditional manual transplanting. Economic analysis revealed that the gross returns from mechanical transplanting were Rs. 135,956, compared to Rs. 128,629 for manual transplanting. Similarly, the net returns for mechanical and manual methods were Rs. 95,106 and Rs. 82,204, respectively. The benefit-cost ratio was found to be 3.32 for mechanical transplanting and 2.77 for manual transplanting. These findings indicate that mechanical rice transplanting offers a viable, cost-effective alternative, reducing labor requirements and drudgery while delivering higher yields.

The decline and transformation of smallholders in Chinese agriculture: national trends

ABSTRACT Using data from official statistical sources and a nationally representative survey, we find that since 2001, China’s agricultural labor force has declined by over 50 percent—a loss of over 200 million smallholders, probably the largest in human history. This trend is the most pronounced in livestock sectors: from 2012 to 2021, 62.5 million smallholder units have disappeared. The 150 million remaining smallholders are mostly commodity producers, participating widely in commodity relations to access agrochemicals, machinery, rental land, and wage labor to produce for markets. The ageing smallholder population also face challenges in intergenerational reproduction, which will accelerate its decline.

THE GUILT OF CADMUS THE FARMER IN STATIUS’ THEBAID

Abstract Statius’ Thebaid inverts the traditional positive reading of agricultural work. In the account of the founding moments of Thebes, the poet remains faithful to what is documented in the extant Greek and Roman literary material. However, as this article argues, Statius introduces two significant innovations with respect to his thematic precedents. First, Cadmus the founder is explicitly and emphatically pointed out as guilty of the internecine struggle that results from his farming. Second, he does not limit himself to sowing the soil but, previously, he plows it. The ploughing motif, although pivotal in the myth of Jason's trials in Cholchis, only appears referred to Cadmus in Ovid's Metamorphoses (3.104–5), albeit in a very succinct form. As will be examined, Statius amplifies the Ovidian suggestion, programmatically conferring negative connotations to this motif (tillage, bull, yoke, furrow, etc.) throughout his epic. Cadmus’ ill-fated tillage is unambiguously presented as the origin of the curse of Thebes and as the root cause of the present fratricidal war between Eteocles and Polynices. The dire fruits which agricultural labour invariably produces in the Cadmean farmlands echo Lucanean Thessalian fields from whose furrows, contaminated by the blood of Roman combatants, grow polluted crops. The blame that Statius places on the shoulders of Cadmus the farmer, the relationship he establishes between farming and fratricidal war, and his insistence on the perverse effects of agricultural work transform mythic Thebes into an exemplar of fratricidal Rome as apt as Lucan's historical Thessaly.

Research on the Artistic Style and Singing Skills of Zhejiang Folk Songs

Zhejiang folk songs, as a gem within the realm of traditional Chinese musical culture, boast a rich array of artistic styles and distinctive vocal techniques. Their origins can be traced back to various facets of rural life, including agricultural labor, festive rituals, and folk activities, reflecting the diverse customs and cultural heritage of different regions within Zhejiang. Situated on the southeastern coast, the harmonious natural environment of Zhejiang has given rise to a variety of folk song forms, ranging from mountain ballads to farm songs and fishing tunes, each showcasing its own unique charm. Particularly, the refined and understated essence of Jiangnan culture endows Zhejiang folk songs with a poetic and delicate expression in melody and lyrics, culminating in a distinctive artistic style. The dissemination of Zhejiang folk songs is not confined to specific regions; as times change and society evolves, they have gradually integrated into contemporary art realms, becoming an essential part of national and local cultural heritage. Today, amid the diversification of popular culture, Zhejiang folk songs face the challenges of modernization and the struggle of preservation. Nevertheless, they remain a cultural symbol, carrying the memories and sentiments of traditional culture. This is not merely a testament to history but also a reflection of national emotions and artistic pursuits, deserving of in-depth study and preservation.

Greenhouse gas emissions from Chinese livestock sector can be decreased by one third in 2030 by the improvement in management

China is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the livestock sector is a major source of non-CO2 GHG emissions. Mitigation of GHG emissions from the livestock sector is beneficial to the sustainable development of the livestock sector in China. This study investigated the provincial level of GHG emissions from the livestock sector between 2000 and 2020 in China, to determine the driving factors affecting the provincial-level GHG emissions from the livestock sector, based on the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) model, which took into account of technological progress, livestock structure, economic factor, and agricultural population. Moreover, a gray model GM (1, 1) was used to predict livestock GHG emissions in each province until 2030 in China. The results showed that the GHG of Chinese livestock sector was decreased from 195.1 million tons (MT) CO2e in 2000 to 157.2 MT CO2e in 2020. Henan, Shandong, and Hebei provinces were the main contributors to the reduction in Chinese livestock GHG emissions, with their livestock GHG emissions reduced by 60.1%, 53.5% and 45.5%, respectively, in 2020 as compared to 2000. The reduction in GHG emissions from the Chinese livestock sector can be attributed to two main factors: technological progress and the shrinking of the agricultural laborers. In contrast, the agricultural economic development model with high input and high emissions showed a negative impact on GHG emission reduction in China’s livestock sector. Furthermore, the different livestock structure in each province led to different GHG reduction effects on the livestock sector. Under the gray model GM (1,1), the GHG emissions of the livestock sector will be reduced by 33.7% in 2030 as compared with 2020 in China, and the efficiency factor will account for 76.6% of the positive effect of GHG reduction in 2030. The eastern coastal region will be the main contributor to the reduction of GHG emissions from the Chinese livestock sector in 2030. Moreover, recommendations (such as upgrading livestock management methods and promoting carbon emission mitigation industries) should be proposed for the environmentally sustainable development of the livestock sector in the future.

Pattern of occupational shift among Malabar migrants: a case study of Kallar grama panchayath in Kerala

The impact of the migration on the economy of Kerala in general and of Malabar in particular needs special mention. Large scale production of commercial crops like rubber, ginger, pepper, arecanut and coconut, advanced methods of cultivation and the introduction of new agricultural crops are some of the aspects to be highlighted. Migration to Malabar turned out to be a mass movement, as migration of half a million people took place without any design, organisation or leadership. Famine was a driving force behind large scale migration. Land prices were very low as compared with Travancore. The increasing tendency of cultivation of commercial crops helped the migration. It is a form of agriculture to agriculture migration, anticipating a long run improvement and can be perceived as a human capital decision. This often leads to change of traditional occupation to other and substantial socio economic development. The immigrant people change their occupation from agriculture or agricultural labour to industrial labour or some other jobs. The present study focuses the changes that take place in the occupational pattern of the Malabar migrants in Kallar Grama Panchayath in Kasaragod district of Kerala

Mujeres berracas: gendered work, geographies of exclusion, and rice farming in Tolima, Colombia

This article uses a Social Reproduction Theory (SRT) lens to illuminate the lived experiences of women in rice farming in rural Tolima, Colombia, by examining the gender division of labor, the devaluation of women’s work, and geographies of exclusion among farmers and farmworkers. Through the analysis of ethnographic findings, this paper argues that perceptions of women as either berracas [tough, badass, stubborn, and hardworking] or out of place legitimize the devaluation of women’s contributions to the political economy of rice. These gender dynamics create geographies of exclusion, shaping rural livelihoods and exacerbating disparities in resource access. This paper advances SRT’s understandings of agricultural wage labor, class differentiation, and how women navigate, resist, and shape their roles in agrarian communities.

“Queer Errantry” In The Work Of Cristina Rivera Garza

In this essay I consider two books by the Mexican writer Cristina Rivera Garza – Había mucha neblina o humo o no sé qué (2016) [There Was a Lot of Fog or Smoke or I Don’t Know What] and Autobiografía del algodón (2020) [Autobiography of Cotton] which conjugate journeys to sites in Mexico where agricultural and industrial labour played a critical role in the country’s post-revolutionary reconstruction. I illustrate how these works not only spotlight the long-term effects of dispossession, transnational migration, and “slow violence” but also articulate an epistemology of what I call “queer errantry”. Drawing on ideas from Edouard Glissant, Anna Arabindan-Kesson, Gloria Anzaldúa, and Sara Ahmed, I argue that, in the context of significant environmental and gender violence in Mexico and its “visceraless” state, for Rivera Garza travel and pedestrianism function as acts of relation, forms of reckoning with the rapid acceleration of capitalist modernity. As a way of reading and representing the world, “queer errantry”, I suggest, comprises a decolonial feminist praxis of orientation and remembrance.

Evaluation of Climate Change in the Scope of Agriculture and Food

Global climate change is increasingly manifesting its effects day by day, and Turkey is also facing various adverse influences such as temperature fluctuations, excessive rainfall, drought, and storms. Each region within Turkey's borders has its own unique soil structure, contributing to agricultural diversity. Climate change complicates the cultivation of agricultural products, affecting both product quality and yield, and impacts agricultural labor. Furthermore, it can exert pressure on agriculture by causing social and economic issues. An interdisciplinary approach is essential to examine the effects of meteorological events resulting from climate change. Given the direct impact of climate change on agricultural and food security, it is crucial to analyze its root causes in this field. Measures must be taken to monitor indicators, understand the extent of their effects, and provide explanations accordingly. Evaluating the problems caused by meteorological disasters stemming from climate change on agricultural and food production, along with analyzing soil-economic impacts, is vital for developing solution-oriented recommendations. First, studies aimed at identifying the adversities caused by climate change and formulating scenarios to mitigate them should be planned. Subsequently, strategies should be developed to minimize the negative impacts.

Away from home, into the fields: Assessing the health of undocumented and indigenous farmworkers

A large and growing literature argues that the agricultural labor market is stratified by ethnicity and legal status. However, other markers of distinction, such as indigeneity, may overlap with legal status to reveal additional health inequalities. Our study contributes to this scholarly dialogue by assessing the relation between indigeneity, legality, and health among immigrant-origin farmworkers from Latin America. To this end, we use data from the National Agricultural Worker Survey (N = 21,092) to examine health outcomes among indigenous and non-indigenous immigrants. Results indicate that indigenous farmworkers experience higher rates of pain—but not chronic conditions—than their non-indigenous counterparts. While undocumented farmworkers who are not indigenous exhibit especially favorable health, indigenous workers who are documented are significantly more likely to suffer from pain. Finally, there is limited evidence that differences in insurance coverage can fully explain the patterning between legal status, indigeneity, and health. This project sheds light on the well-being of indigenous migrant laborers in the U.S. food system, a population that experiences pervasive barriers to socioeconomic advancement at home and abroad.

Justin S. Morrill and the meaning of protection

ABSTRACT Historians state that the protectionism that arose in the nineteenth century resulted from the new Republican party embracing its Whig roots while acquiescing to lobbyists and “greedy manufacturers.” Justin S. Morrill, Republican Congressman then Senator from Vermont, was the person most responsible for both the tariff and internal revenue measures enacted during the American Civil War. I argue that by studying Morrill, we find that there were many reasons for the extraordinary increase in tariff rates during the war. This is significant because the rise in tariff rates during the war has been associated with the pressure exerted by manufacturers through lobbying during the war to increase tariff rates, subsequently leading to the “new industrial order” of the late nineteenth century. Morrill’s attempt to balance internal revenue and tariff legislation played a significant role in this development. Morrill’s goal was to elevate farmers and “the interests of laborers” – he was never a shill for manufacturers. Protecting agricultural products and laborers remained at the heart of Morrill’s agenda. This can be seen in both the tariff and internal revenue legislation enacted during the Civil War.

Constraints faced by Chawki rearing Centres in Tamil Nadu

Chawki rearing centers (CRCs) play a pivotal role in the sericulture industry by focusing on the cultivation and rearing of high-quality silkworms, known as chawki. This study investigates the primary constraints faced by CRCs across various operational aspects, including agricultural practices, labor management, technical support, and market dynamics. Key findings reveal significant challenges such as the absence of drought-resistant mulberry varieties, high capital requirements for wages, labor shortages, and inadequate technical guidance. Natural factors like climate change and pest outbreaks further exacerbate these issues, impacting silkworm health and productivity. Marketing constraints, such as price volatility and transportation costs, add to the operational complexities of CRCs. The study underscores the need for coordinated efforts among government agencies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to address these challenges and enhance the sustainability of chawki rearing in the sericulture sector.

THE POETICS OF UTOPIA IN THE WORKS OF A. V. CHAYANOV

The futurological model presented in “My brother Alexei’s Journey to the Land of Peasant Utopia” by A. V. Chayanov (under the name of Iv. Kremnev) is focused on preserving and reviving the traditions of the times past, which are harmoniously integrated into a new way of life. The utopian worldview is very eclectic: along with manual agricultural labor, there are the latest inventions: meteorophores and aircraft, atmospheric precipitation is controlled. Art as a philosophical imperative defines all aspects of society. The leaders of the state, rely on the achievements of eugenics, striving to maximize the realization of each person’s talent, education is based on the principles of harmonious personal development: utopia’s residents not only master a specialty, but must know the history of art, play sports, which should also serve to reveal their abilities. The ideal is formed by both the ancient culture and manor pastime, where a person works in close contact with nature, spending leisure time in literary or musical pursuits. Knowledge of history and art is considered fundamental here: even cooking and entertainment are focused on preserving the memory of the past. Many of the ideas on which utopia is based are Chayanov’s ideas about the proper structure of education, its cultural and art history components, pedagogical and methodological principles, and the formation of a versatile and multifaceted scientist. But in a way, it is also an answer to the disputes of the late 19th — early 20th centuries about the role of man as a theurgist, the limits of his capabilities and power.

A cross-sectional epidemiological study of animal bite victims in district hospital Alwar, Rajasthan, India

Background: Rabies, an invariably fatal viral disease, transmitted to humans through animal bites, mostly dogs. According to WHO, each year, 23000-25000 people die in the SEA region due to rabies. These accounts for approximately 45% human deaths due to rabies worldwide. Objective was to study epidemiological trend of animal bite in Alwar district hospital. Methods: A retrospective, record-based study was conducted in 200 animal bite victims presenting to district hospital Alwar, Rajasthan wherein information on monthly number of animal bite cases was collected from records section of the hospital. Information on annual number of animal bite cases was available from the annual report of the hospital from 2018 onwards, this data was used for studying the monthly variation in animal bite cases. Data were compiled and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results: Among 200 victims 76.3% were males, 56.7% belongs to 15-45 years, 61.6% were living in urban area, 31.3% and 21.7% of the victims were agriculture worker and laborers respectively. Among 95.8% victims bitten by dog, 89% of them were stray. 89.4% had category III bite, lower extremity affected in 60.8%, fate of animal was unknown in 78.6% and 46% of the victims were bitten during evening hours. Conclusions: Majority of bites were by stray dogs, unprovoked and category III bites. This indicates the need of large amount of anti-rabies serum or HRIG thereby increasing the cost of management of animal bite cases. There is a need to control stray dog population and immunize pet dogs.

The Study of Environmental Exposure of Mothers and Infants Impacted by Large-Scale Agriculture (SEMILLA): Description of the Aims and Methods of a Community-Based Birth Cohort Study.

Women of childbearing age not only reside in agricultural communities but also form an integral part of the agricultural labor force. Limited research investigates the impact of prenatal fungicide exposure on infant health, specifically ethylenebisdithiocarbamates and their toxic by-product, ethylenethiourea (ETU), particularly in occupational settings. This paper describes the background, aims, protocol, and baseline sample characteristics for the SEMILLA study, which investigates prenatal ETU exposure, neonatal thyroid function, infant growth, and neurobehavioral development in an agricultural region of Ecuador. This cohort study follows pregnant women and their infants up to 18 months of age, incorporating urinary biomarkers and survey data on ETU exposure and infant growth and neurodevelopmental measures. Data collection includes detailed questionnaires, scales, and physical examinations on maternal and infant health and development, as well as environmental factors. Descriptive statistics on key characteristics of the study population at baseline are presented. SEMILLA enrolled 409 participants (72% enrollment rate): 111 agricultural workers (mostly floricultural), 149 non-agricultural workers, and 149 non-workers. Baseline characteristics show comparability between work sector groups, with some economic differences. SEMILLA will provide key evidence on prenatal fungicide exposure and infant development and encompass comprehensive multistage data collection procedures in pregnancy and infancy, focusing on structural and social determinants of health as well as individual-level chemical exposures. The community-based approach has proven essential, even amid challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. The medium-term objective is to inform sustainable interventions promoting maternal and child health, with a long-term goal to reduce community exposures and improve worker health policies, particularly for women and pregnant workers.