Perceived Causes of Vulnerable Employment among Rural Youth in Agricultural Endeavours: Insights and Recommendations

Abstract

In India, where over 60% of the youth reside in rural areas, agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood. However, the sector faces a critical challenge: its young workforce is increasingly migrating towards urban areas in search of better opportunities. This research, conducted across eight villages in Karnataka (India), sheds light on the complex reasons behind this exodus. Through surveys with 120 rural youths, the study uncovers a multifaceted cocktail of challenges hindering their agricultural aspirations. Precarious employment emerges as a key theme, fueled by low remuneration for their produce, restrictive credit access, inadequate storage facilities, and the overall perception of agriculture as an unprofitable endeavor. Beyond economic constraints, the research delves into social and environmental factors like limited market access, lack of technical expertise, and the unpredictability of monsoons, further compounding the vulnerabilities faced by young farmers. Recognizing these intricate challenges, the study proposes actionable recommendations. It advocates for improving access to institutional credit, ensuring remunerative minimum support prices, investing in local infrastructure like storage facilities, and facilitating timely input supply. By implementing these suggestions and fostering a more enabling environment, policymakers and stakeholders can reverse the tide of rural youth migration, revitalize the agricultural sector, and pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for India's rural communities.