WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE - PERSPECTIVES AND CONSTRAINTS IN SUSTAINABILITY OF HOMESTEAD GARDENINGManisha Sharma, Pubali Saikia, Mayuri Borah, Moonty Baruah, Pallavi Talukdar, Moloya Gogoi and Nabaneeta GogoiAbstract Homestead gardening contributes to household food and nutrition security by providing direct access to diverse foods that can easily be accessed and consumed by a family irrespective of their socio-economic status. lt can also be a source of livelihood security for rural women in less developed countries, especially for women involved in agriculture. However, in spite of its many benefits, the adoption levels and sustainability of the concept of homestead gardening eludes success in Assam, India. The perspectives of women and constraints in adoption of homestead gardening in rural areas are unknown. Therefore, this study analyses these factors using a detailed survey of 200 women from two different districts (Dhemaji- 100 no.s; Nalbari- 100 no.s) from two agro climatic zones of Assam using random sampling method. Age, education, training, farm size, and income influenced the adoption of homestead gardening. Women involved in homestead gardening increased household food production and income which helped them to contribute in decision making and could improve the status of women in the society. The constraints in both the districts were mainly included unavailability of quality seeds/structured kitchen garden. In both the districts non-availability of pesticides, manure and lack of extension contacts was the major constraint. The technical constraints were lack of knowledge about recommended seeds. In Dhemaji district lack of major insect pests and diseases identification were the minor issues. Lesser priority to homestead gardening than other revenue generating activities was minor constraint in Nalbari districts. |