PARTICIPATION OF RURAL WOMEN IN AGRICULTURAL OPERATION IN GHAZIPUR DISTRICT OF UTTAR PRADESH

This study analyzed women's participation and decision making process in farming activities in Saidpur Block of Ghazipur district, India. In rural India, women's role in the household is greatly defined by social structure and familial ties. Arranged marriages specific to each caste system, determine their economic worth, and are expected early on in a woman's life. 36 village panchayat were selected from Saidpur block. From each village, approximately 10 farm women were selected proportionately making the total size of 360 rural women. Most rural women farmers sampled in this study were in the middle age group between 36-50 years; predominantly on nuclear families; and from SC and ST and OBC households. Women participation in farming activities decreased with the increase of education levels. Large number of women respondents was engaged in agricultural labours. Education of farm women was found effective in the participation of farm women in agricultural decision making process. Respondents of forward castes participated in farming decisions with greater frequencies than SC and ST. Although, the decision making score was higher among the male farmers, most decisions were taken jointly by both female and male participants indicating the development of social status of the farming women.