Rural-to-urban migration of agricultural workers in Tamil Nadu: Insights from the PLFS 2020-21

This study examines the dynamics of rural-to-urban migration among agricultural workers in India, using the latest data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2020-21. It aims to identifying key demographic, socioeconomic and employment-related factors influencing the migration decisions of agricultural labourers transitioning from rural to urban areas. Preliminary findings indicate a significant increase in the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in rural areas, rising from 50.7 % in 2017-18 to 63.7 % in 2020-21, while urban areas saw an increase from 47.6 % to 52.0 % during the same period. This upward trend suggests a heightened engagement of the rural workforce, potentially influencing migration patterns. Logistic regression models are employed to assess the impact of variables such as age, gender, education level, landholding size and access to social security on the likelihood of migration. Understanding these determinants is crucial for policymakers aiming to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the migration of agricultural workers to urban centres.