Journal of Community Mobilization and Sustainable Development

The present study was conducted to ascertain the occupational choices of parents for their child and children for themselves. The results are based on the data collected from 200 farm families representing five agro climatic zones of Punjab namely zone I (sub - mountain undulating zone), zone II (undulating plain zone), Zone III (central plain zone), Zone IV (western plain zone) and zone V (western zone) through structured interview schedule. The findings revealed that all farm family members comprising of father, mother and child were aware about farming, teaching, medical (serving as doctors and pharmacist), police services and defence services as an occupational choice. Farming and farm related enterprises were not the first choice of occupation. Government job was considered an occupation and was first choice of majority of parents and children. Going abroad was the first preference of those not interested in choosing any career options in India. Higher, fixed income, luxurious life, security, social status were basis for making the choice. Positive perception led to better ranking of farming. Father and child who perceive farming to be economically profitable are more inclined towards it as an occupation. Perception of physical factors were related negatively, but not significant with choice of farming as an occupation in case of mother and child. Children should be persuaded to learn skills depending upon their aptitude particularly those which can help them to substitute income from farming and can be undertaken along with farming. Special emphasis should be laid on sharing success stories of farmers and farmers pursuing allied activities. Extension personnel should organize and conduct different programmes to help children make appropriate occupational choices. Economic, social, physical, personal and psychological factors associated with farming should be highlighted.