Determinants of Hired Labour Use in Small Cardamom Cultivation: Evidence from Cardamom Hills of Kerala, India

Abstract

Introduction: Hired labour plays an important role in small cardamom cultivation because plantation operations are labour-intensive and require timely completion of field activities. Changes in labour availability, production costs, and farm household conditions can influence the use of hired labour in cardamom cultivation. Aim: This study examined the socio-economic characteristics of cardamom farmers and the factors influencing hired labour use in cardamom cultivation in Idukki district of Kerala. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Nedumkandam and Kattappana blocks of Idukki district. Methodology: Primary data were collected from 60 cardamom-growing farm households using a structured interview schedule. Percentage and tabular analyses were used to examine the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents. An Ordinary Least Squares regression model was employed to identify the factors influencing the use of hired labour. Results: The results showed that the sampled farmers were predominantly middle-aged or older, with most having secondary or higher education and considerable farming experience. Small and medium-sized landholdings were predominant in the study area. Regression results showed that cardamom price and input cost had positive and significant associations with hired labour use, whereas indebtedness and plantation age showed negative and significant associations with hiring labour. The age of the farmer, education, farming experience, wage rate, household income, and availability of family labour were not statistically significant. The model explained 50 per cent of the variation in hired labour use. Conclusion: The findings indicate that hired labour use in cardamom cultivation is more closely associated with production-related economic factors and financial conditions than with the farmers' personal characteristics. Improving farm profitability and reducing financial constraints may help farmers meet hired labour requirements and maintain farm operations on time.