Role of farm women in animal husbandry of semi-arid Rajasthan

Abstract

A study was carried out in 2019 to document the role and participation of farm women in animal husbandry activities using a structured schedule by personal interview. A total of 120 farm women were interviewed from four villages of Tonk district (Rajasthan) rearing cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats along with agriculture farming. Majority of women (63.33%) were middle aged (21-45 yr old) and 70% of them were illiterates. A sizeable proportion of respondents' families (53.33%) had low annual family income (Rs. 1-2 lakh). Most of the respondents' families (40%) were marginal farmers (<1.00 ha land). In every household, majority of the women were involved in collection and transportation of fodder to animal sheds (70.0%), soaking of concentrate feed (93.3%), chaffing of fodder (80.0%), watering of animals (90.0%), washing and grooming of animals (83.3%), care of new-born calves and pregnant females (93.3%), milking of animals (80.0%), preparation of dung cakes (100.0%), identification and care of sick animals (50.0%), separation of sick animal (70.0%) and grooming / bathing of animals (73.3%). Women were less involved in purchasing of equipment (6.7%), sale and purchase of animals (10.0%) and maintenance of financial records of farm (10.0%). Average daily time spent by a woman on care and management of animals was 4h 47 min. The study concluded that women contribute significantly in livestock management activities, but remain hidden. There is need to educate the farm women about scientific management practices for increasing their skills and efficiency for enhancing livestock production.