Women Participation in Vegetable Production on Commercial Basis in Rural Ballia

A survey based study was carried out in the month of July-August, 2012 in the rural Ballia of Uttar Pradesh to ascertain women participation in vegetable production on commercial basis. A personal interview schedule developed was used. One hundred house having land for vegetable cultivation on commercial scale were selected. Female respondents from each house were interviewed. Data collected included the extent of participation and decision making of women in various activities of vegetable production. Study revealed that in vegetable cultivation various intervention points were addressable. Women were involved in operations such as cleaning of land, sowing of seed, transplanting of vegetable nursery, hoeing and weeding, scaring of birds and rodents, harvesting and processing of vegetabled and storage of seed. The non-participation of women in various operations was due to high fatiqueness, requirement of more muscle power, and lack of knowledge and awareness. With respect to decision making, it is observed that Women played only supportive role. Less participation of women in decision making could be attributed to custom, tradition social barrier, their illiteracy ignorance and less participation in extension programmes. Women education, technical training and adequate extension facilities can create a positive impact leading to a better tomorrow.