Women constitute about 300 million of population in rural India. More than 75% belong to the families of resource poor. They play a major role in farming system where they are involved in domestic, on farm, allied farm and even non farm production activities.
Studies on livelihood analysis were conducted by Ramakrishna Ashram KVK at five adopted villages under Joynagar-II and Pathar Protima Blocks of South 24-Parganas in the year 2001-2002 with 500 numbers of farm families. The PRA indicated that in spite of performing daily house hold work, 18% of the women were engaged in prawn seed and crab catching, 25% as agricultural labour, 12% in animal rearing, 3% in bidi making, 33% on household work and 9% migrated to city to work as maid servants. Womenfolk work longer periods in farm and families than men though they are only accounted as labour.
In this fragile eco-system of Sundarban, with degrading natural resources, based on situation analysis and preference matrix. KVK conducts various need based trainings and demonstration programmes. These included agro based management, post harvest management, animal rearing, nursery management, food processing and use of gender friendly equipment to reduce drudgery.
The impact assessment in the years 2006 revealed that the adoption rate of nursery management, animal rearing and post harvest management is 40 – 45% whereas in case of agro based management, food processing and drudgery reducing programme is 30-35%. As a result of this knowledge empowerement, the women have gained self confidence and better social status.
Manasi Chakraborty and Nilendu Jyoti Maitra
Ramkrishna Ashram Krishi Vigyan Kendra
P.O. Nimpith Ashram, Dist. South 24-Parganas, West Bengal
