Recognising women’s contributions to agriculture is crucial for gender equality and farm productivity. Examine.

Introduction

• Women constitute a significant share of the agricultural workforce in India, contributing to activities such as sowing, transplanting, weeding, harvesting, livestock rearing, and post-harvest processing.
• However, their work often remains undervalued and invisible, affecting both gender equality and agricultural productivity.

Extent of Women’s Contribution in Agriculture

• Women account for about 30–40% of the agricultural labour force and a higher share in subsistence farming and allied sectors.
• They play a major role in livestock management, seed preservation, food security, and household nutrition.
• In many regions, male migration has led to the “feminisation of agriculture.”

Importance for Gender Equality

• Recognition of Work: Acknowledging women as farmers rather than labourers enhances their social and economic status.
• Access to Land and Resources: Recognition facilitates land ownership, credit, inputs, and institutional support.
• Decision-Making Power: Greater visibility strengthens participation in farm decisions and community institutions.
• Reduction of Gender Disparities: It addresses wage gaps, unpaid labour, and exclusion from agricultural policies.

Impact on Agricultural Productivity

• Improved Resource Utilisation: Empowered women farmers adopt better farming practices and efficient resource use.
• Enhanced Food Security: Women’s role in crop diversity, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and seed management improves food systems.
• Higher Productivity: Studies show that equal access to inputs and training could significantly increase farm output.
• Sustainable Practices: Women often promote sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and climate-resilient farming.

Measures Required

• Land rights and joint land titles for women farmers.
• Access to credit, extension services, and agricultural training.
• Promotion of women-led Self-Help Groups and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
• Gender-sensitive agricultural policies and data collection.

Conclusion

• Recognising women’s contributions in agriculture is essential not only for achieving gender equality but also for enhancing productivity, sustainability, and rural development in India.