Vol. 10, Special Issue 10 (2021)

Author(s):
Shashi Gour, Devesh Upadhyay, Hemraj Dwivedi and Dipti Dubey

Abstract:
Women significantly contribute by performing several tasks in agriculture. In developing countries, women in rural areas are often considered invisible farmers. They constitute almost half of the workforce engaged in agriculture. Women play a key role in the entire food system, starting from selecting seeds through sowing, manuring, weeding, harvesting, threshing, winnowing, drying, stacking, and storing to feed the family. Women in farming work longer hours and contribute more with comparatively lower pay. Their contribution is yet to be recognized and appreciated for their work in agriculture. The participation of women in secondary agriculture should be promoted and their knowledge skill in these areas has to be enhanced through training. Low-cost farm equipment operated by a woman should be introduced in the diversified farming. Opportunities should be provided for farm women for ready access to resources, credit and extension, and training efforts. So, it is high time to explore the prospects of Indian rural women by empowering them through agricultural diversification.