Indian agriculture ensures employment for only 7-8 months and for the ...
The correct answer is D. Seasonal unemployment. Let's understand why Indian agriculture ensures employment for only 7-8 months and leaves laborers unemployed for the remaining period:
Reasons for seasonal unemployment in Indian agriculture:
1. Dependence on monsoons: Indian agriculture heavily depends on monsoons for irrigation. As a result, farming activities can only take place during the monsoon season, which lasts for about 7-8 months in most parts of the country.
2. Seasonal nature of crops: Certain crops, such as rice, wheat, and pulses, have specific growing seasons. Farmers cultivate these crops during the monsoon season and harvest them once they are ready. This leads to a concentration of agricultural activities within a limited time frame.
3. Lack of irrigation facilities: Many parts of rural India lack proper irrigation facilities, making it difficult for farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year. As a result, they are restricted to the monsoon season for agricultural activities.
4. Limited employment opportunities: Due to the seasonal nature of agriculture, there is limited scope for employment in the sector throughout the year. This leads to a situation where laborers remain unemployed for the remaining period after the harvest season.
5. Lack of alternative sources of income: In rural areas, where agriculture is the primary source of livelihood, the lack of employment opportunities in agriculture during non-monsoon months leaves laborers with limited alternative sources of income. This further exacerbates the problem of seasonal unemployment.
Conclusion:
Seasonal unemployment in Indian agriculture is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. Efforts must be made to improve irrigation facilities, promote crop diversification, and create alternative employment opportunities to reduce the dependence on the monsoon season and provide year-round employment for laborers in the agricultural sector.
Indian agriculture ensures employment for only 7-8 months and for the ...
Understanding Seasonal Unemployment
Seasonal unemployment is a type of unemployment that occurs when individuals are unable to find work during certain seasons of the year. In the context of Indian agriculture, this phenomenon is particularly prevalent.
Key Characteristics of Seasonal Unemployment:
- Limited Employment Duration: Agricultural laborers in India often find work only during the cropping season, which typically lasts for 7-8 months. During this time, they are engaged in various agricultural activities such as planting, tending, and harvesting crops.
- Idle Periods: For the remaining months when there is no agricultural activity, these laborers face unemployment. This results in a significant portion of the year where they have no source of income, leading to economic instability for their families.
- Nature of Work: The work in agriculture is heavily dependent on seasons, climate, and crop cycles. Once the harvesting season concludes, the demand for labor decreases drastically, contributing to seasonal unemployment.
Impact on Laborers:
- Economic Strain: The intermittent nature of employment can lead to financial challenges for agricultural workers, who may struggle to save enough during the working months to sustain themselves during the off-season.
- Migration: Some laborers may choose to migrate to urban areas in search of alternative employment during the off-seasons, but this is not always a feasible option for everyone.
Conclusion:
Seasonal unemployment is a significant issue in Indian agriculture, highlighting the need for diversification of income sources and improved employment opportunities throughout the year. Understanding this concept is crucial for addressing the economic challenges faced by agricultural laborers.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Commerce study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Commerce.