Impact of agricultural technologies on work participation of women in sub mountainous region of Punjab

The agriculture in Punjab has been highly mechanized, but there is differential use of machinery in different regions. There are different regions in state i.e sub- mountain undulating region, undulating plain region, central plain region, western plain region, western region. In sub- mountainous region, there is less use of machinery. So, the present study was planned with specific objective to investigate the impact of technology on work participation of women in sub- mountainous region ofRoopnagar and Hoshiarpur districts. Four parameters viz., drudgery reduction, work displacement, income generation/reduction and free time were analysed. The study found that due to mechanization, farm labourers got displaced from agriculture. As a result of displacement from agricultural and nearly no non- farm employment avenues, farm labourers income had been reduced. Majority of them disclosed that due to lack of gainful employment, they had enough free time at their disposal, but of what use was idle time when they can t even ensure basic sustenance level for themselves and their family. The total sample consisted of 120 respondents. The study suggested farm labourers who got displaced due to mechanization of agriculture may be provided with off farm employment avenues in order to assure basic sustenance level.