Gender inequities in operational holdings: the case of Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Asymmetrical distribution of land is an appalling feature of Indian agricultural system which is largely due to inherent socio-economic disparities. Land holdings and property rights governed by law of inheritance discriminates women and thereby curtails their economic independence. Research reveals that landlessness is more in Tamil Nadu than country as a whole and in this set-up; the paper makes an attempt to study gender differences in the distribution of land holdings by major size groups in the state in comparison with all India level. The study has utilized the Agriculture Census (2010-11) report to understand the anomalies in gender wise operational holdings for all social groups and SC/STs exclusively. The results for operational holdings and area operated carried out between different size groups show that there exist poor gender equality. However, the state is comparatively more equitable than the nation. The study also examines distribution of average size per holding by major size groups and gender. Effective implementation of the already existing policies on property entitlement and creating awareness among the stakeholders will go a long way in bridging the gender gap in land holdings.