Gender Disparities in Agricultural Work Participation in West Bengal, India

Abstract

This study examines gender disparities in agricultural work participation across West Bengal from the 1960s to 2011, revealing consistently higher male engagement with significant regional variations. Districts such as Purulia, Hooghly, Bardhaman, and Bankura recorded higher female participation, whereas urbanized areas like Howrah, Nadia, and 24-Parganas showed lower involvement. The Work Participation Rate (WPR) in agriculture peaked in the 1980s but declined thereafter, reflecting economic diversification and a shift toward non-agricultural livelihoods. Despite constituting a substantial share of the agricultural workforce—estimated at 38–45.3% in developing countries—women often remain overlooked contributors, primarily engaged as unpaid or low-wage workers without formal recognition. Structural barriers, including limited land ownership and exclusion from decision-making roles, continue to reinforce gender inequities. While advancements in science and technology have transformed agriculture, they have failed to address the persistent marginalization of women in the sector. In India, agriculture continues to absorb female labour but does not formally acknowledge them as hired or employed workers. Addressing these systemic challenges is crucial for achieving gender equity and sustainable development. The findings underscore the urgent need for policy interventions that enhance women’s access to resources, recognize them as farmers, and ensure their equitable inclusion in agricultural growth.