GENDER ANALYSIS OF POTATO CULTIVATION IN MEGHALAYA

Abstract

The study was conducted in East and West Khasi Hills districts of Meghalaya. Using structured interview schedule data from 200 farm women randomly sampled from 14 selected villages were collected. The study showed that in cultivation of potato crop, weeding and earthing up (reported by 83% respondents), application of FYM (53%), chemical fertilizers (51%), harvesting (66%), and sorting and grading (52%) of potatoes were primarily performed by women. Land preparation was found to be carried out jointly by men and women farmers. Application of insecticides (82%), fungicides (67%), carrying harvested produce from fields to store (76%), purchase of fungicides (50%), and purchase of fertilizers (48%) were carried out by men. Women had a major say in deciding land (52%) and number of nurs (raised beds) to be utilized (49%), and amount and sources of other production inputs (60%). Joint decisions by men and women farmers were taken on planting time (68%), potato varieties to be planted (55%), seed source to be utilized (53%), and time of application of fungicides and insecticides (55%). Potato farmers as well as farm women had equal access to the production resources and farm benefits. However, women were found to have an edge over men in controlling the resources like land and labour, and also on the farm benefits.