"Tilling for Change"

Women's Struggles in Indian Farming

???? Women in agriculture in India encounter significant inequalities and struggles that stem from deeply ingrained cultural, social, and economic factors. Despite their crucial role in agricultural production, women face numerous challenges that hinder their full participation and empowerment in the sector.

One of the primary inequalities in Indian agriculture is the lack of access to land ownership and control. Land rights are often vested in male family members, leaving women with limited rights to own or inherit land independently. Women constitute only around 14% of total landowners in India, owning about 11% of agricultural land across rural landowning households. This restricts their ability to make decisions about farming practices, access credit, and invest in agricultural activities.

Moreover, women have unequal access to essential resources such as credit, seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural extension services. Financial institutions and government programs prioritize male farmers, leaving women with limited access to loans and inputs necessary for improving productivity and adopting modern farming techniques. A study specifically focused on the state of Uttar Pradesh revealed that only 4% of women farmers had access to institutional credit.

Social and cultural norms also contribute to gender disparities in Indian agriculture. Patriarchal attitudes relegate women to subordinate roles within households and communities, limiting their autonomy and decision-making power. Women's unpaid labor in agriculture often goes unrecognized and undervalued, reinforcing their economic dependence on male family members. Research suggests that women have limited decision-making power even when they own the land or are the primary cultivators .

Additionally, women face challenges accessing markets and selling their produce at fair prices. Limited mobility and lack of market information hinder women's ability to participate effectively in agricultural markets independently. Discriminatory practices and gender biases further marginalize women farmers, making it difficult for them to negotiate prices and compete in male-dominated agricultural value chains.

Education and skills training opportunities for women in agriculture are also limited. Gender gaps in education and literacy rates constrain women's access to technical knowledge and information on best agricultural practices. In 2022-23, 36.1% of men and 18.6% of women aged 18-59 had ever received vocational training and this gap has increased over the years. Only 7% of skill trainees were women candidates in 2021 despite 17% of ITIs being women-only.?

Addressing the inequalities and struggles faced by women in Indian agriculture requires comprehensive and targeted interventions. Reforms in land tenure systems and initiatives to increase access to credit, inputs, and extension services are crucial. Promoting women's leadership and representation in agricultural decision-making processes is also essential.