Women Leaders in Indian Agriculture: Grassroots Perspective

Abstract

This chapter highlights the leadership style and characteristics of women at the grassroots level in Indian agriculture. It outlines the challenges they face, as well as the impact they have on their family, other women, the farming community, and the larger village society. To explore women leadership in agriculture, some primary case studies were developed in addition to analyzing cases documented by non-government development organizations (NGDOs) working with women farmers. The cases indicate that these women leaders, as members of self-help groups (SHGs), farmers, Krishi Sakhi [agriculture service providers], or primary processors, have struggled to reach where they are today. The conclusion outlines implications for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners, for ascertaining and facilitating the emergence of women leaders in this critical sector of the Indian economy.

I have brought about change in farming practices within my village. Instead of broadcasting of seeds, they now use line sowing or dibbling. This has resulted in higher yields for them. There are 150–175 farmers in my village, who now, on their own, practice this. (Asha Devi, personal communication, August 25, 2016)

—Asha Devi, a farmer and Krishi Sakhi [agriculture service provider] from Dausa, Rajasthan