Role and status of female workers in agriculture a case study in Haryana

Abstract

This study examines the role and status of female agricultural workers: a case study in Haryana, India, a key agricultural hub contributing 6.41% to India s food grain production. Women constitute a significant portion of the agricultural workforce, engaging in both paid and unpaid tasks, yet face systemic barriers that limit their socio-economic empowerment. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including field surveys conducted in 2019 20 with 422 respondents, the study investigates women s socio-economic characteristics, employment patterns during Kharif and Rabi seasons, roles in paid and unpaid activities, access to agricultural technology, and domestic and workplace challenges. Findings reveal that female agricultural workers (cultivators and labourers) perform essential tasks like sowing, weeding, and harvesting but are often unpaid or underpaid, with 56.05% of cultivators income controlled by husbands compared to 21.26% for labourers. Key barriers include limited access to land; credit, and technology (e.g., low smart-phone usage), wage delays (87.93%), harassment (39%), and insufficient government support (90.32%). Multiple linear regression analysis indicates that education, age, and vehicle ownership significantly influence technology adoption (R-squared = 0.67). Empowering women through education, financial aid, and policy reforms could enhance productivity and gender equality. Recommendations include subsidies for housing, land ownership reforms, and digital literacy programs to improve women s economic independence and agricultural outcomes. newline