Raitu Mahila Diwas at KVK,Wyra on 15-10-2020

Agriculture plays a vital role in the Indian economy with over 70% of rural households dependent on agriculture, contributes about 17% to total GDP and provides employment to over 60% of the population. Women contribute to agricultural and rural economies in all developing countries. As per Census 2011, of the total female workforce, 55% were agricultural labourers and 24% were cultivators. But, only 12.8% of operational holdings were owned by women reflecting the age-old gender disparity in ownership of landholdings in agriculture. The rural women often manage complex households and pursue multiple livelihood strategies that include producing agricultural crops which include sowing, nursery management, transplanting, weeding, irrigation, fertilizer application, plant protection, harvesting, winnowing and storing grain along with tending animals, processing and preparing food at home, collecting fuel and water, engaging in trade and marketing, caring for family members and maintaining their homes. Most of these activities do not fall under the category of “economically active employment”. The Economic Survey of 2017-18 showed that growing rural to urban migration by men is resulting in ‘feminisation’ of agriculture sector, with increasing number of women in multiple roles as cultivators, entrepreneurs and labourers. Every year, 15th October is celebrated as “Raithu Mahila Diwas” to honour the contribution of women to agriculture. KVK, Wyra in collaboration with Department of Agriculture, Khammam celebrated this day. The meeting was participated by Dr. J. Hemantha Kumar, Programme Coordinator and Dr. W. Jessie Suneetha, SMS (Home Science) with Mrs. P. Vijaya Nirmala, DAO and district officers of agriculture, veterinary and horticulture. Dr. J. Hemantha Kumar on this occasion exalted women farmers for their immense contribution to agriculture and it’s allied sectors. He created awareness on available simple farm implements to reduce drudgery levels in farming. Dr. W. Jessie Suneetha explained the need for consumption of balanced diet, importance of immunity boosting foods during COVID and importance of nutrigarden. Mrs. G. Koteswari of Vepakuntla (V), Raghunadhapuram (M) and K. Radhamma, Chintakani (V), Madhira (M) were felicitated for their contribution as progressive women farmers. The meeting was attended by 25 farm women and 10 officials on campus with 80 farm women virtually.