Hariprasad Nandalike

Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (JD)

Karkala, Jun 18: Agriculturists across Udupi district are facing a significant shortage of agricultural labourers, despite efforts to hire workers from within the state and from other districts. Although substantial wages are offered, agricultural activities remain sluggish due to the insufficient number of labourers. Despite preparations for agricultural tasks across Udupi's total area of 36,509 hectares, including sowing seeds and applying fertilizer, progress is hindered by the scarcity of labour. In some areas, although rice plantation activities have begun, the shortage of labourers is evident.

While labourers can be found in rural areas to perform agricultural tasks, they are reluctant to engage in manual labour such as field ploughing and applying fertilizer. Farmers are compelled to recruit labourers from Bagalkot, Vijayapura, and Orissa to manage agricultural activities urgently. The wages for agricultural labourers have increased significantly in some areas where shortages are pronounced. Daily wages range from 700 to 850 rupees, with meals provided. However, availability is limited, causing delays in agricultural work despite efforts to start the agricultural season early.

Many youths who initially engage in agriculture in coastal and hilly regions are now migrating to Bangalore and Mumbai for better job prospects after completing their education. Elderly farmers, lacking youth support, face difficulties in initiating agricultural activities, leading to the abandonment of agricultural lands in some small rural areas.