Mental Health and Women Farmers: The Struggles Behind the Fields
27 DEC 2024
In India, agriculture embodies not just a livelihood but a way of life. Yet, for millions of women farmers who form the backbone of this sector, their toil remains invisible. Despite their indispensable role, societal norms and systemic barriers continue to deny them the recognition they deserve, impacting not only their livelihoods but also their mental well being.
Women constitute a staggering 42% of India’s agricultural labor force, according to a 2018 study by the University of Maryland and the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER). Yet, they own less than 2% of the land. This stark contrast underscores a systemic failure to acknowledge their contributions. Land, a critical economic asset, is often out of reach for women, depriving them of the socio-political power and decision-making rights it offers.
The 2011 Census revealed that 54.6% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood, while the World Bank reported that 60.05% of India’s land is agricultural. Despite these numbers, women farmers often remain relegated to the margins, labeled as “cultivators” rather than “farmers.” This classification denies them access to institutional benefits, including government schemes and financial assistance.
For rural women, the responsibilities of managing a household and working in agriculture are not separate but intertwined. This “double burden” forces them to juggle unpaid domestic labor and grueling agricultural tasks. The stress of fulfilling these dual roles often results in mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue. A research analysis titled Mental Health of Rural Women highlights how traditional gender roles and inequities exacerbate these challenges, leaving women vulnerable to mental health disorders.
The struggles of women farmers are compounded by their intersectional identities. Women from marginalized castes and classes face triple deprivation—gender discrimination, caste-based oppression, and economic poverty. Dalit women, in particular, are disproportionately affected. Denied land ownership and subjected to bonded labor, they often endure exploitation, including sexual violence at the hands of upper-caste landlords.
A study on Dalit women, Education, Social Exclusion and Inclusive Framework, reveals the persistent inequalities that place them at the bottom of both social and economic hierarchies. While upper-caste women rarely participate in agriculture, Dalit women form a significant portion of the labor force, often as landless workers. Their work, however, is undervalued and ignored, contributing to a cycle of invisibility and oppression.
The mental health crisis among women farmers is a consequence of this systemic neglect. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as the ability to achieve personal and collective goals in an environment that promotes well-being and justice. However, for rural women, the absence of supportive systems, coupled with excessive workloads and lack of recognition, acts as a primary stressor.
The term “Feminization of Agriculture” acknowledges the increasing participation of women in agricultural work, driven largely by male migration to urban areas. Yet, this acknowledgment comes without meaningful support. Women are confined to low-paying, labor-intensive roles, with little control over their resources or lives. The lack of access to mental health services only adds to their suffering, perpetuating a cycle of stress and despair.
The societal perception of farmers as male further entrenches the invisibility of women in agriculture. Even iconic slogans like “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” reflect this bias, equating the term “Kisan” exclusively with men. Organizations like Mahila Kisan Adhikar Manch (MAKAAM) have long been advocating for the recognition of women as farmers, emphasizing the need for land ownership and institutional support.
Women’s exclusion from financial systems also restricts their economic agency. Without land titles, they cannot access credit, insurance, or government subsidies. This systemic exclusion reinforces their dependence and limits their ability to invest in sustainable farming practices.
Women’s contributions to agriculture extend beyond planting and harvesting. They play a crucial role in food security, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable farming. Yet, their work is often dismissed as an extension of household duties. This invisibility not only undermines their efforts but also affects their mental and emotional health.
The overburden of responsibilities, coupled with social exclusion, creates an environment where women struggle to thrive. The lack of recognition and support erodes their sense of self-worth, leading to long-term mental health challenges. Addressing the struggles of women farmers requires a multifaceted approach. Policies must prioritize land ownership rights for women, ensuring their access to financial resources and institutional benefits. Mental health services tailored to rural women’s needs must be integrated into healthcare systems. Moreover, societal attitudes must shift to recognize and value the indispensable contributions of women in agriculture.
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