The Participation Pattern of Women in Agriculture: A Study in Agro-Climatic Regions of West Bengal

Abstract

Agriculture plays an important role in the economy of West Bengal. It accommodates the largest share of the labour force. The sustainability of the rural economy of West Bengal solely depends on agricultural productivity. The physiography, soil, and climatic conditions are much more congenial to diverse agricultural development. More than fifty per cent of total workers are engaged in agricultural activities, and among them, the women workers share more than thirty-five per cent. Eight per cent of women workers are cultivators, and the rest are marginal workers, which makes them economically vulnerable. In this context, an attempt has been made through this paper to illustrate the women's participation pattern in agriculture in the agro-climatic region of West Bengal. The study is based on secondary data from the 2011 District Census Handbook. The work participation rate of women, the literacy rate, and the correlation matrix have been examined in this study. The QGIS platform has also facilitated a zonal variation of women's work participation. A shift has been identified in the agro-economy with the increasing rate of women's literacy and urbanisation. So, the women's participation pattern in agricultural activities has changed. Dependency on the agro-economy has reduced. The workforce participation rate has declined from 73.8 to 40.4 per cent from 1981 to 2011. This decline reflects broader societal changes and shifts in economic structures, where women are increasingly engaging in diverse sectors beyond agriculture. Consequently, these trends highlight the need for policies that support women's empowerment and workforce integration across various industries.