Few takers for job of Coconut plucking even at wages of Rs.14,000/-

A coconut plantation farm in Thrissur, Kerala advertised for experienced coconut pluckers. What was interesting is the wage offered to the worker – Rs. 14,000/- per month with free accommodation. Even with this wage and perks, there are few takers of the job. Gods own country saw wages sky rocket with large scale migrant labour being deployed in various construction jobs and other strenuous jobs. But coconut plucking is not one of those trades thats in for a competition.

Coconut plucking

Casual workers in Kerala today earn between Rs. 300 – Rs. 400 per day.  Financial Institutions now link this rise in wage rates with purchase of gold. Today a large number of the workers engaged in the activity of cultivation invest in gold coins.

Tamilnadu which saw a major population shift of unskilled labour to Kerala are offering higher wages to attract the migrants back. The minimum wages in cardamom plantation in Tamilnadu were till recently Rs 150 per day – plus a bonus, leave with wages, medical aid, warm clothes and even an annual travel allowance. The same plantations are now paying Rs 300 per day to bring workers from Tamil Nadu, incurring a huge transportation cost. Freebies from political parties in TN like free rice, cycles, television sets, mixers, grinders and the like have been an added incentive for workers to move back. Centrally-sponsored employment guarantee schemes which assure workers of Rs 150 per day have also contributed to the shifting away of workers.

Kerala will now have to look at newer ways to attract and retain workforce. Higher wages is not the only option that would contain the problem. A stable government, better welfare schemes, better industrial relations and friendlier market should be the answer.