Farm Workers of Punjab

The commercialization of agriculture in Punjab completely restructured the traditional agricultural labour markets, which were based on the 'patron-client' relationships. In the post-green revolution period in Punjab, the number of cast wage farm workers continuously increased. Many researchers in their studies deciphered the wage rates, employments, poverty and unions of farm workers in Punjab. In literature there is still a dearth of studies on one type of farm workers, i.e. permanent farm servants, who are hired by farmers for a whole year for performing various farm operations and are known by different names in Punjab. Farm Workers of Punjab is a comprehensive research study on the permanent farm servants in Punjab. First, on the basis of archival research and interviews with the farm workers and leaders of their unions, it has studied how gradually agricultural labour markets evolved in Punjab since its annexations by the British. Second, the book focuses on the changes in working conditions of the permanent farm servants in the post-green revolution period. Third, how the wage rates of permanent farm servants are determined in a village labour market. Fourth, the factors affecting the wage rates of permanent farm servants in different agro-climatic, productivity and cultural zones of Punjab have been studied. Fifth, the book highlights the migration of agriculture labourers in this state from other states of India and the prevalence of differences in the wage rates of local and migrant permanent farm servants. Lastly, the book suggests some policy implications to enhance the skill level of permanent farm servants in agriculture and to provide them social security.