Role of Women Labour in Decision-making Process in Agriculture in South Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone of Gujarat state

This study has examined the role of women in decision-making on farm management in south Saurashtra of Gujarat. The data were collected by personally interviewing the selected 160 women agricultural labourers during 2011–12 and were analyzed using Garrett ranking technique. It has been observed that the areas in which opinion of more than 50 per cent rural women was considered in the decision-making process included harvesting of crops; purchase and sale of animals, farm land and farm machinery; farm credit; and construction of farm buildings. The participation of women in decision-making has been found to be highest in the areas of purchase and sale of animals (80%), followed by farm credit (70%) and lowest in time and method of sowing (16%) and means of irrigation (8%). The study has suggested that to increase productivity of agriculture, involvement of farm women in the decision-making processes will have to be enhanced through their capacity building, trainings and education on latest agricultural technologies and communication means.