Gender and Agri-Food Systems in India

India's agri-food systems rely heavily on both paid and unpaid labor from women. Despite this, institutional barriers exist that limit women's productivity. These constraints include restrictions on time, access to resources, inputs, and knowledge, and limitations in decision-making capacities.

Intersection of Gender, Caste, and Class

• Gender roles are influenced by other power structures like caste and class.
• Women typically handle labor-intensive, low-paying, and invisible tasks.

Impact of Technology

• Technological interventions often focus on enhancing men's productivity.
• Mechanization has reduced paid work opportunities for women.
• Investments in technology that ease women's labor are undervalued at the household level.

M S Swaminathan Research Foundation Initiatives

The foundation is working to empower women farmers and fish workers by providing access to technologies that reduce the gender divide and improve productivity, decision-making, and time management.

• Example: Reviving small millet cultivation in Odisha's Koraput district.
• Addressing gendered roles in agriculture through technology and training.

Challenges in Fisheries Sector

• Shift to mechanized vessels and centralized harbors marginalized women vendors.
• Limited access to fish and markets negatively impacts women vendors' income.

Digital Empowerment in Fisheries

Providing digital technologies to women fish workers in Tamil Nadu's coastal districts has significantly impacted their work by enhancing access to information, digital payments, and online business models.

Conclusion: Gender-Responsive Technologies

While gender-responsive technologies can help dismantle barriers for women, the resilience of patriarchal structures should not be underestimated. A supportive ecosystem involving men, families, communities, markets, and the state is crucial for sustained change.