Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India’s agricultural sector has historically been characterized by significant female participation, with women contributing between 33% to 59% of the workforce (NSSO, 2018-19). However, their roles were largely confined to non-market production and subsidiary activities. Economic liberalization, initiated in 1991, brought about significant changes in the agricultural landscape, including increased marketization, technological advancements, and shifts in cropping patterns. This prompted a re-evaluation of women’s roles, moving beyond traditional tasks and impacting their economic agency and overall well-being. This answer will examine how liberalization has altered the nature of women’s involvement in Indian agriculture.
Pre-Liberalization Scenario: Traditional Roles
Prior to 1991, women’s participation in agriculture was largely informal and unrecognised. Their roles were primarily focused on:
- Subsistence farming: Women were heavily involved in activities like sowing, weeding, harvesting, and post-harvest operations for household consumption.
- Livestock management: Dairy farming and animal husbandry were traditionally women’s domains.
- Household chores: A significant portion of their time was devoted to tasks like fetching water, collecting fuel, and processing agricultural produce.
Land ownership was predominantly male, limiting women’s access to credit, inputs, and decision-making power. Agricultural policies largely ignored the specific needs and contributions of women farmers.
Changes Post-Liberalization: A Multifaceted Impact
1. Shift in Employment Patterns
Liberalization led to a decline in agricultural employment overall, but the impact on women was disproportionate. The shift towards commercial agriculture and mechanization reduced the demand for labour-intensive tasks traditionally performed by women. However, it also created new opportunities in areas like:
- Horticulture and floriculture: These sectors, which experienced growth post-liberalization, often employed women in tasks requiring dexterity and precision.
- Agri-processing industries: The growth of food processing units created employment opportunities for women, albeit often in low-skilled, low-wage jobs.
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs): SHGs played a crucial role in empowering women by providing access to credit, training, and market linkages.
2. Access to Resources and Technology
While liberalization theoretically opened up access to resources like credit and technology, the reality was more complex. Women continued to face barriers due to:
- Lack of land ownership: Limited land ownership restricted their access to institutional credit.
- Social norms: Patriarchal norms often prevented women from adopting new technologies or participating in decision-making.
- Digital divide: Limited access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) hindered their ability to benefit from market information and agricultural extension services.
However, schemes like the Mahila Kisan Shakti Padhak (MKSP) under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Yojana aimed to address these gaps by providing skill development and capacity building programs for women farmers.
3. Decision-Making Power and Agency
Liberalization, coupled with the rise of SHGs and increased awareness, led to a gradual increase in women’s decision-making power within households and communities. Women began to play a more active role in:
- Crop selection: Influencing the choice of crops based on market demand and household needs.
- Input management: Participating in decisions related to the purchase of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
- Marketing of produce: Directly selling their produce in markets or through farmer producer organizations (FPOs).
However, significant gender disparities in decision-making persist, particularly in areas related to land ownership and investment.
4. Impact of Globalization and Contract Farming
Globalization and the rise of contract farming had mixed effects on women. While contract farming provided access to markets and technology, it also led to:
- Increased workload: Women often bore the brunt of increased production demands under contract farming agreements.
- Reduced bargaining power: They had limited say in negotiating contract terms.
- Displacement: Land consolidation associated with contract farming sometimes led to displacement of small and marginal farmers, disproportionately affecting women.
Regional Variations
The impact of liberalization varied significantly across different regions of India. In states with higher levels of female literacy and land ownership (e.g., Kerala, Tamil Nadu), women benefited more from the opportunities created by liberalization. In contrast, in states with more conservative social norms and limited access to resources (e.g., Bihar, Uttar Pradesh), the impact was less pronounced.
| State | Female Labour Force Participation Rate in Agriculture (2018-19) | Land Ownership by Women (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Kerala | 59.2% | 22.4% |
| Tamil Nadu | 56.8% | 20.1% |
| Bihar | 44.5% | 8.8% |
| Uttar Pradesh | 41.9% | 9.2% |
(Source: NSSO, 2018-19; Land ownership data from Agricultural Census, 2015-16)
Conclusion
In conclusion, liberalization has undeniably altered the role of women in Indian agriculture, creating both opportunities and challenges. While it has led to diversification of employment, increased participation in commercial agriculture, and a gradual rise in decision-making power, significant gender disparities persist in access to resources, technology, and market linkages. Addressing these inequalities requires targeted policies that promote land ownership for women, enhance their access to credit and technology, and empower them through skill development and capacity building programs. A gender-sensitive approach to agricultural development is crucial for ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.