Shortage of labourers hits pokkali farming in Kadamakkudy
The Hindu
Demand to bring harvesting work under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
The shortage of hands for harvesting has emerged as one of the biggest challenges for pokkali rice farmers in Kadamakkudy.
Around 85 out of the potential 100 hectares in the panchayat have been under cultivation this year. However, the workforce woefully falls short of the ideal 200-300 workers for completing the harvesting within the extremely narrow window of 7-10 days.
“|With the new generation staying away from farming, getting adequate labourers for harvesting remains a struggle. Since harvesting has to be done standing almost hip-deep in water, the workers cannot be engaged beyond noon, further delaying the completion of harvesting,” said Mary Shilpa, District Agriculture Officer.