Women labour in agriculture: A study of their socio-economic conditions in Kurki and Hiretogleri villages of Davangere district in Karnataka

Agriculture is an indispensable part of Indian economy. The direct contribution of agricultural sector to the national economy is reflected by its share in total GDP, total employment and so on. It still remains the most acceptable fact that agriculture continues to play an important role in the socio-economic development of the country. Women are an inseparable part of Indian economy in general and Indian agriculture in particular. Hence this paper systematically tries to analyze the socio-economic conditions and contribution of agricultural working women to socio-economic development. The study has been confined to two villages namely, Kurki and Hirethogleri geographically placed in Davangere district of Karnataka state. Agriculture is the dominant occupation of the people in the villages and the lands are irrigated lands based on canal irrigation. In order to accomplish the objectives, the study has made use of primary data collected through field survey. A well structured questionnaire has been used to collect the necessary information about the crucial parameters of the study. The results of the study have been illustrated using tables and graphs.