Relative contribution of rural women to animal husbandry activities in Haryana

Abstract

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