“Patterns and Impacts of Seasonal Migration on the Livelihoods of Rural Agricultural Labourers in Beed District”

Abstract

Seasonal migration is a recurring livelihood strategy among rural households in drought-prone regions of Maharashtra, particularly in Beed district of the Marathwada region. This paper explores the dynamics of seasonal migration of agricultural labourers, analyzing its underlying causes, patterns, and socio-economic consequences. The study identifies agrarian distress, recurrent droughts, land fragmentation, water scarcity, and declining agricultural productivity as the primary drivers of migration. Labourers migrate seasonally to sugarcane-growing districts such as Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara, as well as to urban centers for construction work, brick kilns, and informal sector jobs.

The research adopts a mixed-method approach, combining household surveys, in-depth interviews, and analysis of secondary data from government and non-governmental sources. The spatial and temporal mapping of migration circuits reveals that most migrants belong to landless or marginal farming families, moving cyclically between their native villages and work destinations from October to May. While migration temporarily improves household income, it often leads to social costs such as disruption in children’s education, poor health outcomes, gendered vulnerabilities, and continued dependency on informal labour networks.

The paper highlights that seasonal migration, though providing short-term coping mechanisms, perpetuates structural inequalities and livelihood insecurity. Policy recommendations emphasize strengthening local employment opportunities through MGNREGA, promoting water conservation and crop diversification, establishing mobile education facilities for migrant children, and ensuring portability of ration cards, health insurance, and social protection benefits. By focusing on Beed district as a representative case, the study contributes to broader debates on rural distress, labour mobility, and inclusive regional development in India.