**Problems faced by farm labourers**

Farm labourers are the backbone of the agricultural sector, playing a crucial role in food production. However, they often face numerous challenges that impact their livelihoods and overall well-being. Here are some of the common problems faced by farm labourers:

1. **Low wages**: Farm labourers often receive meager wages for their hard work. Due to the lack of bargaining power and competition within the labour market, they are often paid less than the minimum wage. This makes it difficult for them to meet their basic needs and improve their living conditions.

2. **Lack of job security**: Farm labourers usually work on a seasonal or temporary basis, depending on the agricultural cycle. This leaves them vulnerable to unemployment during off-seasons, leading to income instability and uncertainty about their future employment prospects.

3. **Unsafe working conditions**: Farm labourers are exposed to various occupational hazards while working in the fields. They are frequently subjected to extreme weather conditions, exposure to harmful chemicals, and physical injuries due to working with machinery and tools. The lack of proper safety measures and protective equipment further exacerbates these risks.

4. **Lack of social security**: Unlike formal sector workers, farm labourers often do not have access to social security benefits such as health insurance, pension schemes, or maternity leave. This leaves them financially vulnerable in times of illness, disability, or old age.

5. **Exploitation and unfair treatment**: Many farm labourers face exploitation by middlemen or contractors who provide them with work. These intermediaries often take advantage of the labourers' economic vulnerability and pay them less than what they deserve. In some cases, they may also withhold wages or force labourers to work under exploitative conditions.

6. **Limited access to education and healthcare**: Farm labourers often struggle to access quality education and healthcare facilities. They may live in remote rural areas with inadequate infrastructure and limited educational institutions or healthcare services. This further perpetuates the cycle of poverty and hinders their socio-economic development.

7. **Lack of legal protection**: Farm labourers often lack legal protection and are excluded from labor laws and regulations. This makes it difficult for them to seek justice in case of exploitation, wage theft, or unsafe working conditions.

In conclusion, farm labourers face multiple challenges related to low wages, job insecurity, unsafe working conditions, lack of social security, exploitation, limited access to education and healthcare, and inadequate legal protection. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive efforts from the government, employers, and society to ensure fair and dignified living conditions for farm labourers.