Fallow Land and Migration of Farmers and Agricultural Labourers of Semi-Arid Regions of India with Special Reference to Karnataka

Abstract

This study examines the interlinkages between fallow land dynamics and the migration of farmers and agricultural labourers in the semi-arid regions of India, with a specific focus on Karnataka. Using longitudinal data from the national Land Use Statistics (LUS, 2013–14 to 2022–23), Karnataka State Agricultural Statistics, and recent empirical studies on rural labour and migration, the paper analyses temporal and spatial trends in fallow land, explores the underlying drivers of rural distress, and examines the reciprocal relationship between land fallowing and labour mobility in semi-arid agrarian systems. The findings reveal that the total fallow land in India (current and other fallows combined) stood at approximately 24.6 million hectares in 2022–23, with notable inter-state disparities. Karnataka, though exhibiting a smaller absolute extent of fallow land (~1.07 million hectares in 2022), demonstrates significant spatial heterogeneity, particularly in its semi-arid districts where higher incidences of fallowing coincide with elevated levels of seasonal and temporary migration. Migration continues to serve as a critical coping and livelihood strategy among rural households confronted with recurrent crop failures, agrarian distress, and declining on-farm returns. The study concludes by advocating policy interventions focused on (i) targeted irrigation and crop diversification in semi-arid taluks, (ii) synchronization of rural employment programs such as MGNREGA with agricultural cycles, and (iii) strengthening of migrant-inclusive social protection frameworks to mitigate livelihood vulnerabilities.