Farm Machine and Female Labour Participation A Study of Indian Districts

Abstract

Indian labour market has been witnessing a paradoxical situation in recent years. Despite registering higher economic development the female participation in economic activities has shown deceleration. The researchers in this field have identified several determinants and explanations at aggregate level. The present study is one of the few attempts to examine the trend of female participation in agriculture at district level. Taking number of tractor in a district as a proxy for farm machination, the study confirms an inverse relationship between farm machines and female participation in agriculture. It resolves the paradox in terms of lower women participation in agriculture sector.