The given article considers problems related to the lack of working hands in agricultural sector of Saratov province during World War I. The author concludes that general mobilization most of all effected landlords’ farms of the province. One of the ways to solve the problem of workforce shortage was the wide-spread use of prisoners of war and refugees. Specific emphasis in the article is directed at the activities of Saratov zemstvo, particularly, the experience of the distribution of the limited contingent of prisoners of war in individual households is analyzed.