Which of the following is/are the characteristics of the agricultural ...
Agricultural labor refers to individuals who work in the agricultural sector, performing tasks related to cultivating crops, raising livestock, and other activities involved in farming. These laborers play a vital role in ensuring food production and supply. The characteristics of agricultural labor can be summarized as follows:
a) They own no land of their own:
One of the key features of agricultural labor is that they do not own any land. Instead, they work on land owned by others, such as farmers or agricultural companies. These laborers are typically employed on a contractual or seasonal basis, depending on the nature of the agricultural activities.
b) They work for others:
Agricultural laborers are hired by farmers or agricultural companies to perform various tasks on their land. These tasks may include plowing, sowing seeds, harvesting crops, tending to livestock, and maintaining farm machinery. The laborers are usually supervised by the landowners or farm managers, who provide them with instructions and guidelines for their work.
c) They are more often paid less wages, i.e., below the statutory minimum wages:
A significant characteristic of agricultural labor is that they often receive lower wages compared to workers in other sectors. This is primarily due to the seasonal and temporary nature of their employment, as well as the high supply of agricultural laborers relative to the demand. As a result, agricultural laborers may earn wages below the statutory minimum wages set by the government. This can lead to economic challenges and difficulties in meeting their basic needs and improving their standard of living.
Overall, the three characteristics mentioned above - not owning land, working for others, and receiving lower wages - are commonly observed in agricultural labor. These characteristics highlight the unique nature of agricultural work and the challenges faced by those engaged in this sector.