Gender role in wheat production and agricultural decision-making

Abstract

Women’s participation in agriculture is increasing, but their role in decision-making is still limited. Using a household survey of wheat producers in Haryana, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, this paper studies women’s involvement in wheat production and compares it to that of men; analyses their role in decision-making; and examines the socio-economic influences on their participation. Overall, the paper concludes that although the share of time spent by women on agricultural activities is increasing, their role in decision-making is still highly dependent on the socio-economic characteristics of the farm household.