Agri and industrial output in Punjab drops as migrant workers not available to work

Published on: 27 Nov 2025 at 04:35 PM

Published by: Fact News

Fact News Service

Chandigarh, November 27: The festivals of Diwali and Chhath Puja are long gone, and even the sowing season for the wheat crop has ended, but the wait for skilled and unskilled labour in the FARMS AND industry here continues. A large number of migrant workers, who had left for their villages in Bihar and UP before Diwali for about a month, are yet to return.

Owing to the severe shortage of labour, agrcultural production may take a 50-60 per cent hit, claim farmers unions.
The same is also true about labour crisis that continued to haunt the industry in Punjab. The forum represents sectors such as bicycles and parts, hosiery, auto components, steel and others.

Because of the attacks on migrants in recent times, they have started feeling unsafe in Punjab.
Kehar Singh, a farmer from Bucho Kalan in Bhatinda says, “Some migrants were involved in the crime, but all were targeted. And now we are bearing the brunt.”
In September, industry and farmers asociations met Chief Minister, to highlight labourers’ concerns and urging safety measures. Mere assurances serve no purpose, as labour is the backbone of agriculture and industry. Due to unrest, fear and panic, workers are refusing to return, and the production has fallen to nearly 60 per cent.

Insiders say, currently the agriculture is facing an acute and unprecedented shortage of labour. Traditionally a temporary shortfall was seen around Diwali and Chhath Puja, but in the past few years this shortage had become permanent. Preet Kamal, a farmer unions office-bearer from Hoshiarpur said, “One major reason is the availability of increased employment opportunities in the native states of migrant workers, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. But recent incidents — where migrant labourers were attacked and forced to vacate rented accommodations in villages — have further shaken their confidence.”
Recent snatching incidents, in which miscreants not only looted but also assaulted migrant labourers, have raised serious concerns about the law and order situation in industrial areas, feel industrialists.

In view of growing safety concerns, the rights of migrants must be safeguarded. Atal Purvanchal and Industrial Vikas Parishad members from Ludhiana say, give them confidence and establishing a dedicated ‘industrial police station’ to exclusively cater to the security needs of industrial zones, functioning round the clock. It may be recalled that in 2009-10, violence against migrants had forced many of them to rush back to their native villages, many of whom never returned.