International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160     Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 8, Issue 2 (March-April 2026) Submit your research before last 3 days of April to publish your research paper in the issue of March-April.

Beyond the Harvest: Measuring the Impact of Agricultural Policies on Women's Economic and Social Empowerment in Rural Telangana

Author(s) Dr. Lalitha Gosukonda
Country India
Abstract This study examines the transformative impact of agricultural policies on women's economic and social empowerment in rural Telangana, India. Through a mixed-methods approach analyzing data from 450 women farmers across six districts, we investigate how policy interventions implemented between 2014-2022 have influenced women's access to resources, decision-making power, and socio-economic status. The research evaluates key policies including the Rythu Bandhu scheme, Women Self-Help Group (SHG) initiatives, and gender-inclusive agricultural extension services. Findings reveal significant improvements in women's land ownership (from 12.3% to 28.7%), credit access (64% increase), and participation in agricultural decision-making (from 31% to 67%). However, challenges persist in technology adoption, market access, and social mobility. The study employs the Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) alongside qualitative assessments to provide comprehensive insights. Results indicate that while economic indicators show substantial progress, social empowerment metrics demonstrate more gradual improvement, suggesting the need for sustained, multi-dimensional policy approaches. This research contributes to understanding the gendered impacts of agricultural policies and provides evidence-based recommendations for enhancing women's empowerment in agrarian contexts.
Keywords Women's empowerment, agricultural policies, rural development, Telangana, gender equality, rural women, agricultural extension, microfinance
Published In Volume 5, Issue 4, July-August 2023
Published On 2023-08-05

Share this