[5] FEMINISATION OF AGRICULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE RURAL EMPOWERMENT: A STUDY OF WOMEN IN MANDYA DISTRICT, KARNATAKA

How to Cite the Article: Madhusudana E, Pavithra R.H (2026). Feminisation of Agriculture and Sustainable Rural Empowerment: A Study of Women in Mandya District, Karnataka. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews, 5(2s). 37-52.

Abstract

The feminisation of agriculture has emerged as a significant socio-economic phenomenon in rural India, particularly in regions witnessing male outmigration and changing agrarian structures. This study explores the impact of feminisation of agriculture on the socio-economic conditions of women in Karnataka, with special reference to Mandya district. It examines how the increasing participation of women in agricultural activities contributes to sustainable rural empowerment. Drawing on primary data collected from 200 women engaged in farming across various taluks of Mandya district, the study assesses changes in their income levels, decision-making power, access to resources, and overall quality of life. The research adopts a descriptive and analytical design, using structured interviews and field surveys to gather insights, and employs percentage analysis and socio-economic indicators for data interpretation. The findings reveal that while women have increasingly taken up agricultural responsibilities—from sowing to harvesting—they continue to face significant challenges, including limited land ownership, lack of institutional support, and restricted access to agricultural technology and credit. However, their involvement in farming has led to notable improvements in household income, social mobility, and participation in self-help groups, reflecting a shift towards greater empowerment and inclusion. The paper concludes that feminisation of agriculture, if supported by gendersensitive policies, capacity-building programs, and institutional interventions, can serve as a transformative force for sustainable rural development. This study contributes to the discourse on rural empowerment by highlighting the critical role of women in agriculture and advocating for strategies that recognize and reinforce their contributions.