Participation of Women in Farm Operations of rabi Crops in Sub Mountainous Region of Punjab

Women in India are the backbone of the society and important resource in agriculture and rural economy. They make essential contributions to the agricultural development, allied activities and pursue many livelihood strategies. In Punjab state participation of women in agriculture varies from one region to another. Present paper is planned with specific objective to study the participation of women in farm operations of rabi crops in sub mountainous region of Roopnagar and Hoshiarpur districts of Punjab state. From two blocks three villages were selected randomly in each district. Then ten women respondents, five marginal and small farmers and five farm labourers families were interviewed, for making the sample of 120 respondents. Full participation of farm women was found in weeding, cleaning of seeds and grain drying operations for different crops, whereas farm labourers were more involved in weeding, cleaning of seeds and harvesting operations. Plant protection measures and grain drying were the most time consuming operations. Cultural values of the region could be made more inclusive to overcome gender discriminatory practices by sensitizing rural masses regarding the pertinent role of women in agriculture.