Do women like to farm? Evidence of growing burdens of farming on women in rural India

Drawing on the findings of an extensive questionnaire-based survey conducted in two Indian states of West Bengal and Gujarat, this paper investigates whether the concentration of women's labour contributions to agriculture has improved their autonomy in decision-making. It shows that women's labour burdens have increased without associated benefits, and raises the question of the invisibility of the 'preparatory work' that women do on and off the farm to support agriculture. The findings lead to the conclusion that for farming in India to thrive and ensure fulfilling lives for women farmers, the policymakers need to address rural women's discontent.

Automated summary

Based on a survey conducted in the Indian states of West Bengal and Gujarat, this paper examines the impact of women's labor on their decision-making autonomy in agriculture. The findings suggest that women's labor burdens have increased without corresponding benefits, highlighting the invisibility of the preparatory work they do to support agriculture. Policymakers are urged to address rural women's discontent in order to promote the prosperity of farming in India and ensure fulfilling lives for women farmers.