Answer: 

Introduction:

Feminization refers to increased participation of women in agricultural activities. According to NSSO data, more than 70% of rural women workers are engaged in agricultural work.

Body:

Some major Causes for Feminization of Indian Agriculture are:

• Male Migration: Agriculture distress has made it inevitable for men to seek alternatives, mostly casual labor. Males are more likely to migrate and move from rural to urban areas in search of better job opportunities, while females are primarily responsible for various roles in agriculture.
  • As per the 2011 census, approximately 1/3^rd of rural male migrated to cities in search of employment and better economic opportunities leading to increased participation of women in agriculture and allied activities.
• Gender wage gap: Men are paid more than women in many of the jobs. When a male can get more by working elsewhere, the low-income work of an agricultural laborer is left for women.
• Increased mechanization: With increased use of machines, men have moved to other activities, while traditional physical work like harvesting are typified as women’s work. Women are thus more engaged as agriculture labor rather than as cultivators.
• Scope for exploitation: Given the lack of literacy and skills for agriculture among women, they are more willing to accept low-paid irregular work and are easy to hire and fire.
• Poverty: Women often work as agricultural laborers in order to supplement the family’s income.

Conclusion:

With these factors only being strengthened, feminization of agriculture must be accepted as a reality. Inclusive approaches in agricultural policy implementation are required to recognize the presence and contribution of women in the sector. Recognition of land ownership, better extension services and training programmes aimed at women, etc can address gender disparity.

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