Role And Empowerment Of Women In Agriculture

Agriculture is the mainstay of Indian Economy as over 70 percent of our people depend on it and its allied occupations for their livelihood. Women form the critical core input of the development of any Economy. They contribute 2/3 of the World’s work hours, produce 50 percent of World’s food supplies, and contribute up to 30 percent of the official labour. In fact in 1/3 of the households, 50 percent of the total earnings are contributed by women. One striking characteristic feature of female participation in the labour force is its diversity. The level of female participation in a region is determined by a host of social, economic and cultural factors. Rural women specifically, are involved in field activities, like sorting of seeds, seed treatment, sowing, transplanting, compost making, application of fertilizers, weeding, harvesting, threshing and winnowing. The present study throws light on the contribution of women in agriculture especially their role and participation in paddy cultivation, and the various farm operations that they undertake, their role in household decision-making, problems they face, suggestions and policy measures.