Demographic and socioeconomic determinants of youth migration from farming households in Punjab

Abstract

This paper looks into the socio economic and demographic factors that are causing migration of youths out of Punjab farming families in India. Punjab as the land of agricultural prosperity is experiencing a drop in the number of young people willing to do the traditional farming. A primary survey was carried out on 60 farming families in seven villages in the Fatehgarh Sahib district to learn about this change. Structured interviews and direct observations were done to collect data of age, education, land holding, type of family, availability of technology and involvement in related industries. Findings revealed that 47 percent of the farmers were within the 40-60 years range and 70 percent of the farmers were heads of their families. The nuclear families had majority (75) and only 18% respondents were graduates. Three-quarters had smartphones, and 61.67% obtained access to the internet to provide agricultural services. Over half (52%) held medium-sized farms, and 75% engaged in livestock-based income activities. The findings reveal that limited financial returns, low digital literacy, and urban employment prospects are major causes of youth migration. Strengthening rural education, technology adoption, and policy support is vital to attract youth back to agriculture.