Implications of Labour Migration and Land Use Changes on Food Production in the Peri-urban Area of Rajs']jsamand District of Rajasthan, India: A Case Study

This study examines the situation of land utilization and migration of population from farming sector to marble sector of the district, and identifies the causes of reduction of crop productivity. To achieve these objectives the peri-urban area of Amet tehsil of Rajsamand district is the most affecting tehsil where marble industry has flourished strongly and substituting the agriculture industry causing reduction of crop and livestock production drastically over the period. Thus, Amet tehsil of Rajsamand district has been selected purposively for the study. For in-depth study, a case study of "Jetpura Panchaayat'' has been selected randomly. Besides, it is again important that this Panchaayat is growing for quartz production where 10-15 crusher plants are already established in the area. Primary data have been collected from pre-tested schedules and raw data have been analysed with the help of % and averages and conclusions have been drawn accordingly. It is concluded that land use pattern of the district is changing rapidly after the introduction of marble industry. The area under forest was decreasing from 24,663 hectares in 2001 to 23,214 hectares in 2010; this may be due to conversion of the area into non-forest purposes. Similarly, the area under non-agricultural use has been decreased from 1,27,697 hectares in 2001 to 1,85,439 hectares in 2010, which further strengthens the statement of introduction of marble industry. It is further clear from the results that productivity of all the crops have been on the decline over the study period and as such this has implication for food security in the region.