This book explores the socio-economic shift from traditional farming to Toto driving in rural and peri-urban India, highlighting the causes and impacts of this occupational migration. Toto, a battery-operated e-rickshaw, initially emerged in urban areas but has become a key public transport option across urban, peri-urban, and rural regions due to its eco-friendliness, affordability, and ability to generate moderate daily incomes of ?300-?500 in states like West Bengal. Through field research, the book examines the factors driving this transformation, including the declining profitability of agriculture and the seasonal nature of farming. It delves into the push and pull dynamics influencing rural youth and farmers to adopt Toto driving as a viable livelihood alternative. Offering insights into a significant socio-economic phenomenon, the book serves as a valuable resource for understanding occupational transitions in South Asia, appealing to researchers, policymakers, and global audiences interested in sustainable livelihoods.
Mr. Akash Khamrai obtained his B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture with first class from Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya (UBKV), Pundibari, West Bengal, in the year 2022. He obtained his M.Sc. in Agricultural Extension with first class from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), Mohanpur, West Bengal, in the year 2024. He has completed his M.Sc. thesis under the supervision of Prof. S. K. Acharya.
Mr. Arnab Banerjee, born on 25th February 1997, in Bankura district of West Bengal, obtained his B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), Mohanpur, West Bengal, in the year 2019. He obtained his M.Sc. in Agriculture and Rural Development from Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI), Narendrapur, West Bengal, in the year 2021. He was awarded with a gold medal for securing 1st position in M.Sc. He has done his Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Extension Management (PGDAEM-MOOCs) from National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad in 2023; and he has been awarded with a pair of gold medals for securing 1st position in PGDAEM. He has published some research articles in reputable journals. Additionally, he has been awarded with the best oral presenter awards in international conferences. Recently, he has submitted his Ph.D. thesis in the Department of Agricultural Extension at the Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya under the supervision of Prof. S.K. Acharya.
Prof. (Dr.) Sankar Kr Acharya, presently, Dean, Post Graduate Studies ;former Head, Dept. of Agril Extension and Director, Extension Education, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, WB, born on 6th October, 1960, started his career as Assistant Professor at BCKV in 1988 and has been in teaching, research and extension over 36 years. An erudite teacher as well as an elegant speaker, is internationally acclaimed for his unique research domain of Social Entropy and Energy Metabolism, Social Ecology and Environmental Sociology, Enterprise Ecology Framework, Conservation Stewardships: Research Publication: 249 in National and International Journals. Book Publication: 115 books authored. Expert Member, Agriculture Commission; Marketing and Extension Sub Committee, Govt. of West Bengal; Expert member WWF projects in BTR (Buxa Tiger Reserve Project); Expert member; DFID project on Primary Education (DPEP); Rapid Environment Impact Analysis, Visited Italy, France, Germany, China , Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. He has also been honoured to be selected as the Convener of Panel (PE-32) entitled, The hunger, poverty and silence, of IUAES, University of Manchester, UK, 2013 .Co-PI of ICAR, NAHEP and World Bank funded project on Conservation Agriculture. So, far he has successfully guided 21 Ph D scholars,. He is the fellow of ISEE, IARI, New Delhi, Fellow, BIOVED; Fellow, Society of community mobilization, IARI, New Delhi He is now acting as editor, reviewer of a good number of national and international journals. Fellow Award, ISEE(ICAR-IARI, New Delhi), 2019 Awards and Distinctions: Distinguish Scholar Award, Krishisanskriti, New Delhi; Certificate of Merit for standing First class first at M Sc(Ag) in Agricultural Extension, 1986; ;Honorary Appointment to the Research Board of Advisors, The American Biographic Institute (2003) ;He has been honored to be selected as the Convener of Panel (PE-32) entitled the hunger, poverty and silence, of World Congress, IUAES, University of Manchester, UK, 2013 ;He has been honoured to be selected as the Convener of Panel (P-102) entitled ,’ Uncertainties, Unpredictability and Marginalization: The impact and mitigation for survival of agriculture and humanity, of the 19th World Congress, IUAES-WAU, 14-20 October, 2023, New Delhi, India, 2023 ;Honoured to be nominated as Expert Member, Working group on Agricultural Extension, West Bengal State Agriculture Commission (2007) ;Honoured to be nominated by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, BCKV to Act as an Expert Member, DPEP, A DFID, UK, project for planning and revamping primary education through POA of GOVT of India.(1995) Expert Member, Buxa Tiger Reserve Project funded by WWF(World Wide Wild Life Funding), 1998 ; Dr Daulat Singh Memorial Award, Society of Extension Education, Distinguished Professor and Academician Award, Research Education Solution (RES), M S Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University(2022); Eminent Scientist Award, EIABT, Citwan Nepal. He is also the Expert Member, Research Council, Vidyasagar University, WB.Achievers of German patent (Utility model no.20202310273) :Novel LOT based inventory management system with radio controlled pallet racking for storage solution. He is the Fellow, West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology (WAST), 2024. He is also the fellow of ISEE, New Delhi, Fellow, BIOVED, Allahabad, Fellow, Mobilization, New Delhi on academic missions, he visited Italy, France, Germany, China, SriLanka, Vietnam, Bangladesh, He has a rich profile of editorial and reviewers’ contributions a different national and international Journals.
Introduction
Theoretical Orientation
Review of literature
Research setting
Research methodology
Results and discussion
Summary and Conclusion
Future Scope of Research
Bibliography
Appendices