Shrimp industry gender gap in India: Case of Maharashtra state.

Abstract

In India, Maharashtra state, offers vast scope for development of brackish water aquaculture. A study was done in order to analyse if there is a gender gap in this industry. Study has revealed that in shrimp farming during 1990’s, participation of women was seen in pond construction, seed collection, feed making and many post-harvest activities. However, with modernization, all jobs in which women were involved have been eliminated. There are 165 registered shrimp farms in Maharashtra and 6% are registered on women’s name but at ground level these are run by the men. Study has shown that in shrimp farming, which is a sunrise industry, participation of women, is minuscule and gender gap exists. Reasons for gender gap in shrimp farming are lack of skill, high investments, high risk, remote location of farms and lack of favourable policies. Masculinity of capital seems to have inclined towards investing resources among men. However, the effort to bring women aquafarmers into the mainstream is under progress in India and one such change is that every year 15th October is celebrated as National Women Farmer's Day by the Government of India. It is expected that this inclusive approach, from formation of policy to implementation will bring women into the mainstream of brackish water shrimp farming.