Dimensions and magnitude of removable and nonremovable seasonal surplus in Himachal agrarian economy

Abstract

In the context of the changing economic scenario globalisation, privatisation and liberalisation of the economy, rural and more specifically the agriculture sector is likely to face many problems. With development, per capita income is increasing and the relative importance of agriculture in national income is diminishing but it continues to play a crucial role in national employment, food security and export earnings. But this sector is facing double challenges, absorbing additional workers and increasing the productivity of average labourers. The awareness of the problem of utilisation of labour has grown over the years. But there is a gross under-utilisation of human labour in Indian agriculture owing to the seasonal nature of crops grown. In this paper an attempt is made to assess the magnitude of seasonal surplus in the rural sector of Himachal Pradesh. The findings of the study showed that the nature of unemployment prevailing in the study area is both removable or permanent as well as nonremovable or seasonal unemployment or temporary unemployment. Additional work should be provided to nonremovable or seasonal surplus and it should be of a supplementary nature provided during the lean agricultural season, so that it does not clash with their main farming work during the peak season. Removable surplus should be used for productive purposes and economic development in the non-agriculture sector.