Socio-economic profile of agricultural labour in Navya Andhra Pradesh

Every circumstance which has weakened the socio-economic position of the small holder has increased the supply of agricultural labourers-loss of common rights in the rural economy, the submission of holdings, the disuse of collective enterprise, the multiplication of rent-receivers, free mortgaging and transfer of land and the decline of cottage industries. Agriculture cannot be carried on without the help of hired labour as certain operations, such as, hoeing and harvesting are highly labour-intensive and they need to be completed within a short span of time. Any delay particularly in harvesting can cause a great deal of damage. The demand for labour remained virtually unchanged. Many large farmers, particularly those with small families depend on hired labour to carry on agricultural operations. But the nature of demand, its volume, modes and rates of compensation as well as the relationships between the employers and the employees are rapidly changing. Further, the introduction of new technology in agriculture has resulted in an increased demand for labour as it facilitates multiple cropping although it is found to be highly capital intensive.