The Role of Farm Women in Post Harvest Practices: An Analytical Review

Abstract

Aim: This study conducts a literature review on women in post-harvest activities in India. It aims to investigate the status of women in agriculture by highlighting various post-harvest activities that are primarily performed by women. Background: Agriculture is the backbone of the global economy for developing countries. India, for example, is heavily reliant on agricultural resources, with women making up the majority of the agricultural workforce. Methods: This work is based on a review of peer-reviewed research articles and reports from various international organizations, and agricultural universities. Secondary data was used to write the results and with the help of articles related to post-harvest activities were downloaded and finally more than 45 papers were taken into consideration and discussed in detail about the role of women in post-harvest activities. Discussion: Women were found to perform the majority of agricultural and post-harvest activities such as sowing, transplanting, manure application, weeding, thinning, gap filling, harvesting crop and grass cutting, picking, winnowing, drying grains, storage, grading, and so on. Women are unquestionably the backbone of agriculture workforces. They not only contribute to physical output but also ensure quality and efficiency. Despite their significant contribution, workforces are often overlooked and undervalued. Conclusion: Women's participation in agricultural decision-making is a critical component of overall development. The already overburdened domestic household chores and other allied activities that women performed posed enormous challenges to their health, well-being and development.