Relative Contribution of Rural Women to Animal Husbandry Activities in Haryana

India is predominantly an agrarian society where animal husbandry forms the backbone of national economy. Many of the important tasks in animal husbandry are performed by women besides their responsibilities as home makers and caring of animals is considered as an extension of domestic activities. This study emphasized the relative contribution of rural women in various animal husbandry activities. The study was conducted in Hisar district of Haryana state. 30 women farmers were chosen from each selected villages thus constituting a sample size of 120 by simple lottery method. Gender inequality in terms of contribution to animal keeping activities was assessed. The role performance was assessed by documenting the contribution of both men and women family members in the routine activities (feeding, management, dung disposal and milking) and non-routine activities (healthcare, breeding and animal marketing) associated with animals. The average time spent in the animal husbandry activities by a household was 6.76 hours. Out of this women farmer's contribution was 5.17 hours. The contribution of the male members of the family was lesser, and was restricted for most part to the feeding and management activities. They contributed a little in the dung and milk management. Women reportedly contributed significantly (64 % of the feeding, 76 % of the management, 100% in dung disposal and 89% in the milking of animals). And in case of non-routine activities there were distinct roles adopted by men and women. The roles appear strictly gender demarcated with women being assigned the activities that have to do with routine care of animals at home. It appears that patriarchal system is prevalent and is facilitating male dominance.