Preferences among Local Vs Migratory Labour in Paddy Cultivation: Farmer‟s Perspective in Haryana

A large number of migratory labourers are observed each year in paddy farms of Haryana. This inflow of migratory labour has broadened the choice of farmers regarding selection between local and migratory labour. Thus, the present study is aimed to find out farmer‟s preference between local and migratory labourers for various paddy farming operations and the reasons thereof. The study is based on the primary survey of paddy farmers of Haryana. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test has been used for data analysis. Results indicates that almost all farmers prefer migrants specifically for paddy transplanting as they are comparatively more skilled, demand low wages and are humble and hardworking than their local counterparts. On the other hand, mostly farmers prefer local labour for spraying and weeding operation in paddy farming. The reason of preference is non-availability of migrant during these operations and locals being more conversant in these activities. Farmers are quite neutral between local and migratory labourers for paddy harvesting and threshing as combine harvesters are extensively used. Overall, the farmer‟s preference between local and migratory labourers varies as per various operations in paddy cultivation.