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The Hindu
4 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Access to non-farm business and irrigation significantly reduces climate change-induced rural migration, says IIT Madras study
Researchers from the Statistical Department of IIT Madras have studied data from the India Human Development Survey (IDHS) and found that access to non-farm business and irrigation significantly reduces rural migration that is caused by drought, which in turn is climate change induced. The IDHS study is a nationally representative, multi-topic panel survey of thousands of households in urban and rural areas across the country. The findings of the study led by Sabuj Kumar Mandal, Professor of Economics, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Madras, and Gauri Sreekumar, Researcher, IIT Madras, were published in the Indian Economic Review. Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Mandal said that they used data from Round I (2004-2005) and Round II (2011-2012) data of the IHDS for nearly 2 years and studied 80,000 households. 'The impact of drought on the migration among rural farm households was estimated using the Difference-in-differences method, a statistical technique used in economics and quantitative research to study the differential effect of a treatment group versus a control group in an experiment.' 'We have used climate data from the India Meteorological Department for drought and rainfall information. People migrate from one state to another, like from West Bengal and Odisha to Tamil Nadu. Erratic rainfall, which is less than the long-term average, leads to crop failure and then very volatile agricultural income causes such migration,' he explained. Ms. Sreekumar said that to reduce the risk imposed by drought, families turn to non-farm activities to reduce the dependence of households' income on crop yields. This income is used to purchase crop and livestock inputs, improve skills and production technologies, thus increasing agricultural productivity. In turn, the income helps to prepare for disasters and compensate for any income loss. The study also found that households' participation in agriculture/milk/other cooperatives, non-government organisations, credit/savings groups, self-help groups, and other such associations could check migration. Farmer-based organisations and more agricultural extension services could be established by the Government. The team has suggested that alternative livelihoods like unskilled jobs be created near their villages. In the next stage, the researchers plan to study the behaviour and psychological farmers that drive farmers to migrate and reasons of those who do not.
Hindustan Times
25-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
IIT Madras study finds access to non-farm activities, irrigation a major factor to reduce migration among rural families
A study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has found that access to non-farm business activities and irrigation were major factors that reduced drought-induced migration among rural farm households. IIT Madras has conducted a study that found that access to non-farm business activities and irrigation cuts drought-induced migration among rural farm households. (File) As per the study, there was no significant evidence of drought-induced migration among households engaged in non-farm business activities and those having access to irrigation, thus proving that participation in non-farm activities and access to irrigation do make a positive difference in the case of drought-affected rural areas, as per a press statement. Also read: IIT Indore, Mehta Family Foundation partner to launch 2 academic schools in Sustainability and Biomedical Engineering Dr. Sabuj Kumar Mandal, faculty, IIT Madras, and Dr. Gauri Sreekumar, Researcher at IIT Madras led the study. The findings have been published in the reputed peer-reviewed journal Indian Economic Review. The study focuses on the impact of drought on out-migration among rural farm households in India. In addition, the research is also based on whether participation in non-farm activities and access to irrigation make any difference. Possible solutions suggested by the study The study emphasised that irrigation plays an important role in out-migration for farmers. Irrigation contributes to additional water for crops, ensuring food security, stabilising agricultural productivity, and reducing cases of farmer suicide. Efficient irrigation techniques help in improving crop production and assist in water conservation, significantly lowering households' susceptibility to drought and promoting sustainable agriculture methods. Also read: IIT Bombay launches certificate course in 'Supply Chain Analytics with AI & ML,' enrolments open; check details The study suggests that the government can augment the rural non-farm sector through schemes such as Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Likewise, irrigation techniques can be boosted through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. Additionally, social membership can also play a significant role in reducing the number of migrants, the study finds. It added, the participation of households in agriculture/milk/other cooperatives, non-government organisations, credit/savings groups, self-help groups, and other such associations could check migration. Also, farmer-based organisations and more agricultural extension services could be established by the Government. Speaking about the study, Dr. Sabuj Kumar Mandal, Associate Professor of Economics, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Madras, said, 'Unfortunately, rural-urban migrations come with drawbacks. Although there is data to suggest that migration improves the overall well-being of families and the economy, increased rural-urban migrations lead to overpopulation in a particular region, urban poverty, violence, crime, and other societal problems. Excessive rural-urban migration also leads to a decline in rural population, thus affecting agricultural production, land use, food security, etc., which in turn affect sustainable development.' Also read: IIT-Guwahati students protest fee rise; management says 'small group' against hike Dr. Gauri Sreekumar, researcher at IIT Madras, pointed out that families turn to non-farm activities to reduce the risk imposed by drought. 'The income earned through non-farm activities has a positive impact on households. This income is used to purchase crop and livestock inputs, improve skills and production technologies, thus increasing agricultural productivity. In turn, the income helps to prepare for disasters and compensate for any income loss.'
