AGRICULTURAL LABOR DYNAMICS IN GUJARAT: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TRIBAL AND NON-TRIBAL DISTRICTS

This study investigates disparities in agricultural labor patterns between tribal and non-tribal districts of Gujarat. Agricultural workers, predominantly from marginalized communities, face systemic challenges such as low wages, irregular employment, and substandard living conditions, despite their critical role in the rural economy. This research examines income, employment, consumption, and migration characteristics through comprehensive field surveys conducted in two districts: Dahod (tribal) and Anand (non-tribal). Employing a multistage sampling technique, 120 agricultural laborers were interviewed to elucidate differences in labor density and socio-economic conditions. The results reveal that non-tribal areas exhibit higher average incomes, greater savings, and lower dependency ratios compared to their tribal counterparts. Non-tribal households primarily engage in a combination of agricultural labor and farming, whereas tribal households are more reliant on both agricultural and non-agricultural labor due to limited land ownership. Furthermore, the study highlighted a higher prevalence of migration in tribal areas, driven by a lack of local employment opportunities and the seasonal nature of agricultural work, with migrants seeking non-agricultural employment within the state. These disparities underscore significant socio-economic challenges for tribal labor households, necessitating the implementation of targeted policies aimed at enhancing income levels, employment opportunities, and living conditions in tribal regions.