Working Conditions of Women in Agriculture

Women are the backbone of the rural economy. Based on the data of 2012, India is the fourth largest agricultural sector in the world. In rural India, 84% of the women depend on agriculture. Apart from household work and family responsibility, rural women play a major role in the agricultural sector. Various study shows that the participation of women in agriculture have a greater impact on the productivity as well as food security. It also helps to guarantee their self –sustenance. Statistical Data of 2017 shows that the working women folk in agriculture has been increased from 18 to 21 percent since 2006. In June 2016, female casual workers were less than average of the last decade. Rural women ensure food security for their communities, build climate resilience and strengthen economies”.(Rural Women and girls-february 2018/UN Women).According to ILOSTAT database 2018, Percentage of female employment in agriculture in 1991 was 76% and in 2017 it was drastically reduced to 56%. This paper throws light on the status and economic conditions of women workers in the rural economy. It also highlights the role played by the women folk to increase agricultural production. This paper is based on the secondary data taken from various journals, articles and from online sources