Does Outmigration of Unskilled Labourer from Domestic Agriculture Affect Household Income Sources Differently at Origin? Evidence from Assam, India

Abstract

The study aims at examining the impact of outmigration of unskilled labourer from domestic agriculture on household income sources with farm level data collected from central Brahmaputra valley of Assam. The regression results confirm that outmigration of unskilled labourer from domestic agriculture is associated with the reduction in household income sources. However, the reinvestment of remittances partially offsets household’s loss of family labour effects through rising farm and off-farm income. Though, influx of remittances has not significantly increased household income, however, it has assisted in sustaining agricultural operation and other household activities. The findings of the study offer evidence in support of New Economics of Labour Migration theory. JEL: J21, J62