Advanced International Journal for Research

E-ISSN: 3048-7641   •   Impact Factor: 9.11

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The Sericulture Paradox: Gendered Labour Division, Time Allocation, and Income Recognition Among Rural Households in Nagpur, India.

Author(s) Rasika V. Bulbule
Country India
Abstract Background: Sericulture is a traditional agro-based industry providing significant livelihood opportunities for rural households in developing countries, yet the gendered dimensions of labour contribution within this sector remain insufficiently examined. Women constitute a substantial portion of the sericulture workforce, but their roles are often invisible in formal documentation and economic frameworks.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the gender-based distribution of labour participation, time allocation, income contribution, and decision-making roles in sericulture among rural farming households, and to identify key constraints faced by women.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 100 sericulture workers (38 males, 62 females) selected through purposive sampling in a rural agricultural region. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested interview schedule. Socio-demographic profiles, activity-wise labour participation, time contribution, income recognition, decision-making authority, cocoon productivity, and women-specific constraints were assessed.

Results: Female workers demonstrated higher participation in labour-intensive tasks — silkworm rearing (60%), feeding (65%), and bed cleaning (70%) — while males dominated marketing (68%) and mulberry cultivation (55%). Women spent significantly more time in silkworm rearing (5.6 ± 1.3 hrs vs. 3.1 ± 0.9 hrs for males) and post-cocoon processing (4.8 ± 1.1 hrs vs. 2.2 ± 0.8 hrs). Despite higher labour involvement, only 42% of women were recognised as major income contributors compared to 58% of men. Males controlled key financial decisions including farm investment (72%) and cocoon sale (69%). Female-managed units achieved higher mean cocoon yield (55.8 ± 9.8 kg) than male-managed units (49.2 ± 11.2 kg). Major constraints included workload burden (72%), limited decision-making power (64%), and lack of training (58%).

Conclusion: Women perform the majority of productive labour in sericulture yet face persistent inequities in economic recognition, decision-making, and institutional support. Targeted policy interventions including gender-sensitive training, equitable wage structures, and inclusion of women in financial decision-making are urgently needed to enhance sustainability and equity in sericulture systems.
Keywords Sericulture, gender labour division, women empowerment, rural livelihoods, silk farming, labour participation, cocoon productivity, decision-making, agricultural gender equity
Published In Volume 6, Issue 6, November-December 2025
Published On 2025-12-28
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E-ISSN 3048-7641
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