Participation and Contribution of Women in Rural Economy of Sikkim Variation Across Region

Abstract

It has been resolved that women largely participate in economic activities within the newlinehousehold premises. Substantial part of agriculture and allied activities in developing newlinecountries is family based; involvement of women is well known but the contribution of newlinewomen has not been properly addressed. newlineThe extent and intensity of women involvement have been focused by FAO. The study newlineundertaken by the organization observed that women play a significant role in agriculture newlineacross the world. About 70 percent of the agricultural workers, 80 percent of food newlineproducers, and 10 percent of those who process basic foodstuffs are women and they also newlineundertake 60 to 90 percent of the rural marketing; thus making up more than two-third of newlinethe workforce in agricultural production (FAO, 1985). FAO, 1997, highlighted the newlinecontribution of women in food processing sector. FAO indicated that women produce newlinebetween 60 and 80 percent of the food in most developing countries and are responsible newlinefor half of the world food production. newlineSo far as the Indian economy is concerned, the women have the pivotal role in newlineagricultural production especially in the rural areas. Agriculture Sector is the backbone of newlinethe Indian economy and in the village areas women had the major participation in newlineagriculture from production, processing to marketing. In rural areas the role of women is newlineequally important as men and their allegiance and candor cannot be ruled out to reach this newlinesector to its apex. Her role and contribution will have to be appreciated. It shows the newlineii newlinemagnificence of participation of women in this sector to get the pursuit of excellence in newlineagricultural sector. newlineThe merger of Sikkim with India in 1975 AD created new opportunities and markets for newlineprimary products. Women s participation and contribution in such activity is immense newlinebut remained unnoticed. Patriarchal society exists, where decision about mobility, newlinemigration, sale of animals and animal products and agricultural products are made by the newlinemen folk.