Socio-Economic Empowerment of Rural Women through Agripreneurship

Abstract

Agriculture is the lifeblood of the economy in most developing countries particularly in India.Rural woman plays an important role in the growth and development of agriculture and allied sector. Rural women constitute a large proportion of population in rural India. According to 2011 census, there were 54.60 percent of population engaged in agriculture and allied activities. It contributes 17.40 percent to the country’s Gross Value Added. Poverty is more for women living in rural households. Women’s poverty is directly related to the absence of economic opportunities and autonomy. Rural women in India are concentrated on agriculture to much larger extend than men. Agriculture sector constitutes bulk women workers of which large number of women are unpaid family workers and many unpaid workers are cultivators themselves. Women Agripreneurship is the vital contributors to India’s agricultural sector, driving income generation, self-sufficiency, and sustainable growth. They actively participate in decision making and challenge traditional norms .Despite various challenges, rural women entrepreneurs are increasingly successful, contributing to economic development and empowerment. Successful examples include group farming by women in Telangana and Kerala. Women play a crucial role in farm-related tasks, contributing more labour to the agricultural sector than men .Women account for nearly 70 per cent of agricultural labour, highlighting their essential involvement in its progress. Participation in agricultural activities increases women’s financial independence and aids in poverty reduction. This paper aim to understand the Contribution of Rural Women through Agripreneurship and their socio-economic empowerment.