Gender dimensions in mixed farming among the members of selected milk cooperatives in Kerala¹

The study was focused in Thrissur and Palakkad districts of Kerala with the objective of examining the dimensions of gender in farming activities in terms of type and volume of work undertaken, role in decision making and pattern of time use by men and women in farm and family. Sample size was 300 farmer members apportioned equally among the coastal, plain and high range regions of the selected districts. In the independent decision making men dominated in all production, marketing and household activities. In the work participation men dominated in crop activities and women in dairying and household. Men and women in general allotted 8 hours for productive work but work of women continued at home. The most welcome change was that in the decision making, regarding production, marketing and household affairs joint decision of men and women was getting increasing importance.