Contributions of Women in Agricultural Engineering and Technology

Advancement of science and technology in different fields has created new vistas for progress and well-being of humankind. Agriculture is one such field that continues to benefit from new knowledge and technological breakthroughs. An important aspect of all these changes that was missing earlier, but has gradually been realized is the scope and opportunities of agricultural knowledge & technologies for women.Agriculture is a crucial sector for human survival, and women’s contribution to it is undeniable. It is an important engine of growth and poverty reduction. India’s economic security is heavily dependent on agriculture. In terms of employment, it is the most important source of income, especially for rural women. Women play a significant and crucial role in agricultural development and allied fields including, main crop production, livestock production, horticulture, post-harvesting operations, agro/social forestry, fishing etc. in addition to household activities. However, the nature and extent of their involvement is different in various agro-production systems. The mode of female participation in agricultural production varies with the landowning status of farm households. Their roles range from managers to landless labourers. In India, about 74 per cent of the entire female workforce is engaged in agricultural operations, but the nature and extent of women’s involvement in agricultural operations varies greatly from region to region.