Contribution of Rural Women in Conservation of Agro Biodiversity in HP
Journal Title: Voyager - Year 2017, Vol 0, Issue 2
Abstract
India has one of the largest networks of protected areas in the world with rich biodiversity. National parks, sanctuaries and biodiversity-rich areas have been designated as biosphere reserves to conserve ecosystems. Himachal Pradesh is very rich in biodiversity. Agriculture and horticulture are the mainstay of Himachal’s economy as 71% of the people are engaged in these fields. Women, particularly in hilly areas, have greater responsibility for agriculture. Women while working in agriculture activities directly or indirectly help in the conservation of agro biodiversity. Rural women hold the key to many of agricultural systems for food production, seed selection, protection of agro-biodiversity and conservation of biodiversity. But it has been observed that the contributions of women and men to agricultural production are often divided along gender lines, with important implications for sustainable agricultural practices and biodiversity conservation. Men are generally responsible for land preparation, such as clearing and soil tilling, while women are responsible for sowing, hoeing, crop maintenance, harvesting, food processing, storage and seed selection for future planting. Up to 90% of planting material used in smallholder agriculture is derived from seeds and germplasm which women have produced, selected and saved. Women play an important role in the livestock sector also. They feed and milk larger animals, and raise poultry and small animals such as sheep, goats, rabbits etc. Women are traditional caretakers of genetic and species diversity in agriculture; men are more often concerned with converting these resources into cash. While women probably constitute the largest group of farmers who have conserved and improved ago-biodiversity, they often have no property of their own and are often left with no choice but to exploit natural resources in order to survive. Women should have better access to land and resources for the prevention, adaptation and mitigation of climate change.
Authors and Affiliations
Monika Panchani
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Contribution of Rural Women in Conservation of Agro Biodiversity in HP
India has one of the largest networks of protected areas in the world with rich biodiversity. National parks, sanctuaries and biodiversity-rich areas have been designated as biosphere reserves to conserve ecosystems. Him...