More women engaged as agricultural labourers than men

New Delhi, Mar 3 (UNI) Women outnumber men as agricultural labourers, the government informed the Lok Sabha today.

In a written reply, Union Minister of state for Agriculture Kanti Lal Bhuria said as per the 2001 census, there were 42.95 per cent women labourers as compared to 27.51 per cent men.

He said the government have taken several steps to empower women in agriculture by making special provisions for them under the ongoing schemes and programmes of Minister of Agriculture and Department of Co-operatives.

These steps include 30 per cent allocation for women beneficiaries under the 'Technology Mission for Integrated Development in North-East, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand' and ''National Horticulture Mission''.

Another 30 per cent allocation has been made for women in the 'Mini Mission of Jute Technology Mission,' the Union Minister added.

Under the policy provisions incorporated in the National Agriculture Policy on Farmers, 2007, women would be provided with Kisan Credit Cards on a faster pace with joint 'pattas'.

Indeminity bonds from husbands and relatives would be considered by banks for extending kisan credit cards to women farmers.

UNI NAB HS DS1505