Abstract

Migration is a universal phenomenon but it is more common among the people of Uttarakhand. Even before the creation of Uttarakhand as a separate state, the migration from hills to the plains was a common phenomenon. The people of Uttarakhand have been migrating for better opportunities. Study reveals that 61% migrant were inspired by their relatives, 47% by their friends and 40% by the family members for migration. As many as 71% of the respondents believe that there is no scope for commercial farming in Uttarakhand. So, they prefer to work in plains for better lifestyle, while 39.5% say they migrated due to poor health services and 36% due to poor education system. A whopping 95% believe that wild animals spoil the fields, due to which the yield is not high, 92% say lack of irrigation facilities are also important reasons. 93% of people say there are no jobs in the hills, so they migrated for employment. One of the main reasons for the migration in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand is also the absence of commercial farming as 41% people say they don’t sell any agricultural product, while others say they sell fruits, vegetables and grains, but only in very small quantities. Uttarakhand is known for various herbs but only 1.5% of people are planting herbs in their fields. The farmers of the hilly areas of Uttarakhand are not getting any support from the agriculture department, as 94% says they were never informed how to overcome with animals and irrigation problems.

Keywords: Migration, Commercial farming, Migration in Uttarakhand, Reverse migration