‘Few women get land on lease for farming’
Women farmers from 70 districts of Uttar Pradesh have demanded a law that can help them become owners of agricultural land.
“Women farmers contribute to 70% of the entire agriculture work – right from seed preparation to selling of produce, but they are not recognised as farmers, forget about getting ownership,” said Munni Devi and Islawati – farmers from eastern UP – in a convention organised by Gorakhpur Environmental Action Group (GEAG).
Women participants said banks refuse ‘kisan credit cards’ to them unless their husbands are accompanying them.
“The women, despite doing their bit, get nothing in return,” said Neelam Prabhat, coordinator, Aroh campaign for women farmers.
Jitendra Dwivedi, spokesperson, GEAG said very few women get land on lease for farming.
Kunta Devi, a farmer from Saharanpur and Meera Devi of Gorakhpur shared their experiences with the participants.
“We are preparing a draft that will serve as a basis for an act to be brought in the state assembly,” said Dwivedi.
The participants also discussed how new technology could bring about better results in agriculture.
Women farmers contribute to 70% of the entire agriculture work, but they are not recognised as farmers, forget about getting land ownership. MUNNI DEVI AND ISLAWATI, farmers from eastern UP