Evaluate the role that organic farming plays in advancing health and sustainable agriculture in India.
Model Answer Introduction The feminization of agriculture in India is a phenomenon driven by urbanization and male migration. As per the Economic Survey 2017-18, women form the backbone of Indian agriculture, with 71% of economically active women engaged in this sector. Male outmigration and shiftsRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The feminization of agriculture in India is a phenomenon driven by urbanization and male migration. As per the Economic Survey 2017-18, women form the backbone of Indian agriculture, with 71% of economically active women engaged in this sector. Male outmigration and shifts in rural-urban dynamics are transforming women’s roles in agriculture, creating socio-economic ripple effects.
Factors Contributing to Feminization of Agriculture
- Migration:
- Male Outmigration: Increasing urbanization has resulted in men leaving rural areas for better economic opportunities in urban centers. This creates a labor gap in agriculture, filled predominantly by women.
- Changing Household Dynamics: Women are now managing both farm operations and household responsibilities, taking on traditionally male-dominated roles such as decision-making and marketing.
- Economic Necessity: Women, often left with limited alternatives, are compelled to actively participate in agriculture to sustain household income.
- Urbanization:
- Evolving Value Chains: Urban demands for diverse agricultural products have introduced women to roles in food processing, packaging, and marketing.
- Mechanization Impact: Men shift to non-farm jobs, while women remain engaged in traditional agricultural tasks like sowing, harvesting, and livestock rearing.
- Other Factors:
- Poverty: Financial necessity forces women into agricultural labor.
- Gendered Labor Divides: Mechanization leaves women confined to less mechanized, labor-intensive activities.
Socio-Economic Impacts
- Social Impacts:
- Gender Equality: Women’s increased roles in farming challenge societal norms and promote gender inclusivity.
- Community Development: Women’s cooperatives and self-help groups foster social capital and mutual support.
- Economic Impacts:
- Poverty Reduction: Women’s participation enhances income and household food security.
- Sustainable Practices: Women often adopt environmentally conscious farming methods, leveraging traditional knowledge.
- Economic Empowerment: Active involvement in farming increases women’s control over resources and decision-making, strengthening their economic standing.
Conclusion
Women are now integral at every stage of the agricultural value chain, from production to marketing. To enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability, gender-specific policies and interventions must address the unique challenges faced by women in this evolving landscape.
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