Women participation in production and marketing of agricultural products

Abstract

Women participation in agricultural sector is very crucial because women is major player in production, processing and distribution of milk, egg, fish, fruit, vegetable, flower and forest products across the globe. The present study mainly focuses on the role, importance and extent of women participation in production and marketing of farm products. The study also highlighted the major areas of women participation including crop production, fisheries farming, flower markets, agro-processing, value addition, agro-forestry products, marketing of poultry, dairy and other agricultural products in local and informal markets. The present study also discusses major constraints faced by women in production and marketing of farm products. Major constraints are lack of credit, technical skills, specialized training, less access of productive resources, gender bias, absence in decision making process, myths, prejudice against women and burden of multiple role at home and farm. In fact, women contribute more than men in production and marketing of agricultural products along with different constraints across the globe. Thus, there is a need to think on whole gamut of issues related to women participation in agricultural production and marketing. The government should provide credit facility, subsidies, incentives, specialized training and capacity building training to women for development of farming sector in the country.