Extent of participation and decision making of man alone and jointly with women in different agricultural activities

Abstract

A survey based study was carried out in the month of July-August, 2013 in the district Ballia of Uttar Pradesh to know participation and decision making of man alone and jointly with female in different agricultural activities. A personal interview schedule was developed and used. One hundred farmers were selected. Data collected included the extent of participation and decision making of man alone and jointly with women in various agricultural activities. Study revealed that in agricultural activities various intervention points are addressable such as activities done by male alone include ploughing, farm yard manure application, formation of ridges and furrows, and plant treatment. The operations done by male jointly with female dominations are cleaning of land, hoeing and weeding, transplanting of nursery, storage of seed and processing of cereal pulse and vegetable. The work dominated by male is seed treatment, raising vegetable nursery, application of pesticide and weedicide and marketing. The activities in which both the groups showed their equal participation are sowing of seeds, scaring of birds, rodents and animals, nursery after care and harvesting. Non participation of women in various operations is due to high fatiqueness, requirement of more muscle power, and lack of knowledge and awareness. With respect to decision making it is also observed that prominent role was performed by male, woman played only supportive role. Less participation of women in decision making could be attributed to custom, tradition social barrier, their illiteracy ignorance and less participation in extension programmes. Women education, technical training and adequate extension facilities can create a positive impact leading to a better tomorrow.