Migration, especially from rural areas, has become a defining feature of Nepal’s socio-economic transformation. While remittances play a crucial role in improving household incomes and supporting the national economy, the long-term impact on rural farming particularly the production of traditional subsistence crops is increasingly concerning. A detailed study from Gulmidarbar Rural Municipality Ward No. 2 in Gulmi District reveals that out-migration is steadily weakening local agriculture, especially the cultivation of indigenous food crops.
Migration: A Growing Reality
As per the 2021 census, more than 2.1 million Nepalis reside outside the country. This represents over 7% of the population. A large majority are men, mostly from rural areas, who migrate in search of better employment or education opportunities. Also in rural municipality Gulmidarbar-02, this trend is clearly visible. Youth migration, both within the country and abroad, is widespread and has left farming activities in the hands of older adults and women.
Why Indigenous Crops Still Matter
Traditional or subsistence crops like millet, maize, wheat, barley, buckwheat, and pulses have long formed the foundation of rural livelihoods and local food systems. These crops are typically grown for family consumption, not for profit. Their nutritional value, adaptability to local climates, and cultural significance make them essential for food security. However, the decline in available labor due to migration is making these crops increasingly hard to sustain.
Key Observations from the Field
The research, which surveyed 103 households engaged in agriculture in Gulmidarbar-02, used a mix of questionnaires, interviews, and field visits to collect data. The findings paint a vivid picture of how migration is changing farming practices and household decision-making.
1. Lack of Youth in Agriculture
Most young men have left the area for work or education. The farming workforce is now dominated by women and older family members. Over 60% of those involved in agriculture in the study area are women. No respondents below the age of 30 were identified as household heads involved in farming. This generational gap is contributing to a loss of physical labor and agricultural knowledge in the community.
2. Rise of Hybrid Crops
With reduced manpower, many farmers have turned to hybrid crops, which offer better yields with comparatively less labor. However, the study found that most of these farmers lack proper training in hybrid farming. They are unaware of potential risks such as soil degradation, increased input costs, and loss of seed sovereignty. Hybrid farming is not replacing subsistence crops completely but it is rapidly gaining ground.
3. Dependence on Market Food
Because subsistence crops are becoming harder to grow, many households now purchase more food from local markets. While this provides short-term convenience, it leads to long-term dependency on external food sources. Remittance income, though helpful, is mainly spent on consumption rather than being reinvested into agriculture.
4. Cultural and Environmental Costs
Traditional knowledge around farming, passed through generations, is fading. Crops like millet are being cultivated less frequently, even though they once played a central role in food culture. This shift not only threatens biodiversity but also contributes to land abandonment and soil erosion in some areas.
Drivers of Migration
Using models like Lee’s Push-Pull Theory and Standing’s Theory of Capital, the study identified several push and pull factors responsible for out-migration:
Push factors: poverty, lack of jobs, no access to higher education, low returns from agriculture.
Pull factors: employment opportunities abroad, higher wages, modern living conditions, educational prospects.
This imbalance has made migration a default option for many rural youths, further weakening the agriculture sector back home.
A Mixed Blessing: Remittances and Rural Life
Remittance income has undeniably helped improve living conditions in migrant households. Families can afford better housing, healthcare, and education. But these financial gains have not translated into investment in agriculture. In fact, farming is increasingly seen as a less desirable or outdated profession, especially by the younger generation.
This lack of interest in farming combined with labor shortages is fueling a downward spiral in traditional agriculture. As fewer people engage in it, subsistence farming becomes less viable, further discouraging youth from returning to agriculture.
Study Conclusion: A Negative Link
The research used statistical tools such as SPSS to test the relationship between migration and agricultural productivity. The results confirm that increased migration significantly contributes to the decline in subsistence crop production. In other words, as more people leave, food self-reliance drops, and the rural economy becomes increasingly dependent on imported food and remittances.
Policy Gaps and Missed Opportunities
Although Nepal has introduced several policy frameworks—like the National Agricultural Policy 2061, the Agribusiness Promotion Policy 2063, and the Agriculture Development Strategy (ADS) 2015-2035 implementation has been weak. There's little coordination between agencies responsible for labor migration and those overseeing agriculture.
Moreover, returnee migrants rarely get support or incentives to re-engage in farming. Training programs and credit facilities for them are minimal, leaving a critical gap in addressing rural revitalization.
Recommendations for Policy and Practice
To reverse these trends, the study offers several actionable recommendations:
Youth Engagement in Agriculture: Can launch targeted agricultural training programs for young people and returnee migrants.
Mechanization Support: Rural municipality should promote small-scale mechanization and labor-saving tools to ease the burden on remaining farmers, especially women.
Market Development for Local Crops: Strengthen local market systems to make indigenous crops more profitable for farmers.
Awareness Campaigns: Educate communities on the health, ecological, and cultural importance of traditional crops.
Public-Private Collaboration: Involve private companies in seed production, irrigation services, and value chain development to boost rural farming.
Integrated Policy Framework: Create stronger linkages between migration policies and agricultural development plans to ensure a balanced rural economy.
Looking Ahead: A Need for Balance
Migration, when well-managed, can offer immense opportunities for both individuals and the national economy. But without proper planning, it can also dismantle local food systems and weaken rural resilience. The case of Gulmidarbar-02 is a microcosm of what's happening across many villages in Nepal.
If young people continue to leave and farming continues to be ignored, Nepal could face a future where it imports most of its food despite having fertile land and rich traditions of agriculture. A change in perspective, where farming is seen as a viable and respected profession is urgently needed.
The path forward lies not in choosing between migration and agriculture but in finding a way to harmonize both. Only then can Nepal achieve long-term food security and sustainable rural development.
By Er. Prakash Thapa
Department of Rural Development, Patan Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University
