Invisible Labour, Tangible Gains: The Economic Value of Imputed Labour in Women’s Joint Liability Groups

Abstract

The study titled “Invisible Labour, Tangible Gains: The Economic Value of Imputed Labour in Women’s Joint Liability Groups" examines the   profitability of group farming through Joint Liability Groups, with specific focus on labour productivity. As JLGs, primarily formed by women interested in farming, engage in collective agricultural activities, the study investigates the role of imputed labour—unpaid contributions from group members—and its direct impact on economic outcomes. By employing the Cost A method for examining the production cost and calculating total revenue based on market prices and cultivated quantities of paddy, banana, and vegetables, the study provides a comprehensive financial assessment. Using multi-stage stratified random sampling, data was gathered from 170 JLGs, and statistical analyses, including ANOVA and post hoc tests, confirm that the dedication of group members through imputed labour significantly enhances profitability. The findings highlight the crucial role of imputed labour in the success of farming, offering valuable insights for policy-making and strategies to improve agricultural sustainability and economic viability of women farmers.