Farm Women's Involvement in Agricultural Transformation in the Peddapalli District of Telangana, India

Abstract

The present study was carried out in the Peddappalli district of Telangana, India. The paper shed light on participation levels, some cognitive characteristics, and prevalent gender discrimination. The goal of this study was to examine farm women's participation in agriculture, which would aid in the collection of systematic data and trends across Telangana state. The personal interview method was used, with a questionnaire prepared on independent (socioeconomic profile) and dependent variables (knowledge, decision-making, gender discrimination, constraints). The study's major findings concluded that the majority of the women (39.16%) were middle-aged, had a medium annual income (45.00%), and participated in agricultural activities such as weeding (60.83%), transplanting (59.17%), and harvesting (59.16%). Despite having a moderate (93.33%) understanding of agricultural activities, gender discrimination was prevalent in rice and vegetable cultivation practices. Women were observed making individual decisions in agricultural activities such as growing seasons (79.10%) and manuring time (70.83%). Along with all of this, several constraints were identified and possible suggestions were given. As a result, the study is expected to contribute to the scarcity of literature and assist the government in addressing the issues confronting farm women.