Role of Tribal Women in Agriculture of Bastar District of India

摘要

Tribal women plays a pivotal role in agricultural development and allied fields including crop production, horticulture, agro forestry, fisheries and post harvest operations. It is a Known fact that by and large they have remained "invisible works". Studies on women in agriculture conducted globally have pointed out the fact that women contributed far more to agriculture production then have generally been acknowledged. They are known to be first agriculturist. The tribal women are considered to be the backbone of tribal economy as they are always dominant and decisive factors in all walks of life. The status of tribal women in various field in not defined but it is well know fact that they play key role in conservation of basic life support such as land water flora and fauna. Studies conducted by our group revealed that most of the women were illiterate and were not aware about their needs and ability. Out of 100 Samples 62% women were engaged in farm land preparation,78% for transplanting operation 74% for weeding and inter culture and 81% for harvesting and storage of the produce. It also revealed that the tribal women were also engaged in operations like manuring, thinning, irrigation, fertilizer application etc. They were also engaged in collection of forest produce seasonally like sal seed collection, tamarind collection, kosa seed collection and other forest produce. Study also indicated that women were devoting more time in agriculture, animal husbandry and house hold cores in comparison to male counterpart even then they are given secondary status and were dominated by men in decision making and buying and selling activities It could be concluded that women play important role in all developmental works. The role performed by the tribal women must not be neglected and her role should be considered as complimentary rather than supplementary to achieve sustainable equity and development.