Migration, production and technology in agriculture: a case study in the Indian Punjab
Oberai, A.S.; Singh, H.K.
International Labour Review 121(3): 327-343
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-7780 PMID: 12313521 Document Number: 408863
This analysis focused on the Green Revolution belt of the Indian Punjab suggests that out-migration of the more dynamic members of farming households does not adversely affect the adoption of new technology. Nor does loss of family labour appear to reduce farm output or overall employment. On the contrary, there is evidence that migration plays a positive role in agricultural development since it brings about improvements in skills, implements and technology. However, as migration and remittances increase, the ownership of capital assets becomes more skewed. The long-term implications for the rural economy (e.g. reduced employment, greater income inequality, and increased out-migration) are obvious, yet curbing the process will lower overall output and employment unless corrective policies are adopted.