Soupçon III In Memoriam Series IV.vii International Year of the Woman Farmer
The ultimate authority when it comes to farm distress in India is P. Sainath. Let us hence look at his invaluable inputs. To avoid repetition, as we have been exploring this issue since August 3, let us concentrate on the unique points we have not so far mentioned
Let us look at the data he provides. 96 per cent of rice transplantation, 76 per cent of seed sowing and 86 per cent of crop transportation, he maintains, is women's agrarian contribution. Such work requires squatting, bending and carrying a heavy load.
Given the inevitable household work, it is a huge burden. In other words, P. Sainath brings to everybody's notice the health issues of women farmers/farm hands.
Yet another major point he makes is regarding the total exclusion of women farmers from the farm crisis data as they are referred to as "widows of make farmers." The very nomenclature denies them any legal status, and hence any financial exclusion.
They do try to till the land and carry on with both farm related and household duties. As they are beyond the bounds of legally accrued financial help, they, too, commit suicide when the debt gets mountain high. Their deaths, however, are not thus mentioned in the National Crime Research Bureau, according to P. Sainath. Injustice continues to haunt them even after death!
Pratima Agnihotri
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