[mataug]

In many parts of the world, planting rice is as labor intensive as harvesting it.

If planting rice is no longer labor intensive, wouldn't harvesting be able to attract the labor needed ?

[pseudostem]

I have some farming experience under my belt, zero with rice.

You have to look at labour as a function of season. If while planting, there are no competing jobs, but while harvesting, there are (or the other way around)... That would be your answer.