Women play a critical role in cotton cultivation. To assess their potential, IDH commissioned ‘Business case for gender mainstreaming in cotton in Maharashtra’ report, which presents findings from gender analysis of cotton cultivation in Maharashtra, conducted by IDH and Sattva. The analysis helps build an understanding of the gender division of roles and responsibilities in the farm, participating in decision-making and access to productive resources.
The study includes building an understanding of current farm practices, the labor burden, and access to ecosystem support in the form of trainings, finance, extension services and government schemes. The study examines both the economic contributions of women cultivators on the farm and the various barriers that limit their role in cultivation.