Indian agriculture’s ‘labour problem’ won’t just go away

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Editor's note: Agriculture and food security have suddenly gained currency across the globe and become the topic of conversation at international conferences. The combined impact of fertilizer shortages, the Russia-Ukraine war and climate change has awakened governments to the importance of ensuring food security as costs rise rapidly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi added another dimension to the conversation, telling attendees at a session on the sidelines of last month’s G7 summit in Germany that “with the help of traditional talent of India’s farmers, food security will be ensured to G7 countries.” He went on to suggest that “the G7 develop a structured system for the use of India’s farming skills.” This idea of exporting Indian farm expertise (or labour) to bolster food security in the West reveals an interesting perspective on Indian farmers and farm labour. But it also brings to the fore the larger issue of Indian agriculture’s “labour problem”, one that has multiple dimensions that vex both farm owners and policymakers. The state of Indian agricultural talent The idea that Indian agricultural skills are valuable in other countries isn’t new. …