6.16 crore women power India’s agricultural workforce

The role of women in India’s agriculture sector and wage parity issues were discussed in the Rajya Sabha as part of an unstarred question raised by Smt. Mamata Mohanta. The conversation revolved around wage structures, the predominance of women in agricultural labour, and government efforts to address their concerns.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur, clarified that agriculture is classified as employment under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. He emphasized that the Act ensures equal wages for men and women in the sector, with no provisions allowing gender-based discrimination.

Women’s role in agriculture

The 2011 Census shows that 6.16 crore women work as agricultural laborers, highlighting their critical role in India’s agricultural economy. Women make up a significant portion of the rural workforce, often being the backbone of agricultural activities across states.

Women’s participation in agriculture varies by region. Andhra Pradesh leads with 88.37 lakh women workers, followed by Maharashtra (67.12 lakh) and Uttar Pradesh (61.36 lakh). Other states with substantial female labor participation include Tamil Nadu (47.63 lakh), Bihar (57.75 lakh), and Madhya Pradesh (58.81 lakh).

In Rajasthan, Odisha, and Karnataka, women play a vital role, reflecting their involvement in agricultural activities nationwide.

Shri Thakur reiterated that wage parity is mandated by law. Both the central and state governments are responsible for setting and revising minimum wages. The government remains committed to ensuring equal pay for all agriculture sector workers, irrespective of gender.

Challenges and the way forward

Despite legal provisions for equal pay, women in agriculture face broader challenges, including access to resources, recognition, and social support. These issues remain critical for women farmers' empowerment and the sector's sustainability.

The Rajya Sabha discussion highlighted the need for continued efforts to improve conditions for women in agriculture, ensuring their labor is valued and compensated.

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