Agricultural stagnation and migration in Tamil Nadu: Challenges and policy implications

Agricultural stagnation and migration are critical issues in Tamil Nadu, a state renowned for its agricultural heritage. Over the past few decades, Tamil Nadu’s agricultural sector has grappled with challenges such as erratic rainfall, depleting groundwater levels, soil degradation, and limited access to modern technologies, leading to significant declines in productivity and growth. This stagnation has adversely affected the livelihoods of farmers, catalyzing a substantial migration of rural populations to urban areas in search of better opportunities. This study aims to elucidate the dynamics of agricultural stagnation and migration, providing insights into their socio-economic implications and proposing sustainable policy interventions. This research, conducted across four villages in Thanjavur and Thiruvarur districts, employs a mixed-method approach, combining survey data collected from January to June 2023 with qualitative insights from farmers and local experts. Findings indicate that increased cultivation costs, market volatility, and water scarcity have pushed rural households to explore non-farm employment opportunities. Education has emerged as a critical factor, with higher educational attainment motivating migration both domestically and abroad. This study advocates for comprehensive rural development programs that promote education, skill development, and non-farm employment to mitigate migration pressures and enhance rural livelihoods, aiming for a balanced socio-economic development in Tamil Nadu.