A Study Use of Agriculture Labour in Hilly Area of Satara District

Abstract

Agriculture in the hilly parts of Satara District works differently because of the uneven land, small farms, and limited use of machines. This study looks at how farmers use labour in these areas-when they need workers, how many are available, how much they are paid, and how migration affects labour supply. Information was collected from villages in the hilly talukas through interviews, field visits, and government records. The study found that the need for labour is highest during sowing, weeding, and harvesting because machines cannot work well on steep land. Many young people migrate for better jobs, so there is a shortage of local labour. As a result, farmers depend more on hired workers, and wages have increased. Women do a large share of the farm work, especially manual tasks, but they are still paid less than men. The study suggests that better small-scale technologies, more rural job opportunities, and supportive policies are needed to improve labour use and make farming sustainable in the hilly areas of Satara District.