Understanding Daily Wages and Gender Disparity in Farm Work: Insights from Organic Mandya
Introduction
At Organic Mandya, we believe that sustainable agriculture is not just about planting seeds-it’s about understanding the people behind the work, fair labor practices, and empowering small farmers and farm workers. During a recent training session, trainees shared their experiences with daily wages, work conditions, and gender disparities.
“You can’t just measure work in hours or effort—respect, fairness, and equality matter just as much as productivity,” explains a trainee at Organic Mandya.
This conversation provides real insights into the challenges faced by women farm workers and the need for fair, inclusive practices in rural farming.
Key Observations from the Field
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Gender Wage Disparity
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Men often receive higher wages than women for doing the same work.
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Example: Men from the village might get 200–500 rupees depending on hours worked, while women often earn less.
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Workload vs. Compensation
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Women reported that despite doing more work, the financial rewards often go to men.
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Complaints or disputes with the landowner rarely lead to fair outcomes.
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Work Hours and Payment Structure
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Full-day work: Women receive 300 rupees with two meals provided.
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Men working the same full day may receive 500 rupees.
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Half-day or short shifts sometimes lead to unequal pay, even though work output can be similar.
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Challenges Faced by Women Workers
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Physical strain: Men often move freely around the field, while women work continuously.
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Lack of recognition: Effort and skill are undervalued for women in farm labor.
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Limited bargaining power: Many women workers hesitate to ask for fair pay.
“We all work the same, yet the payment isn’t equal. Asking for fairness changes things, but not everyone dares to speak up,” shared one trainee.
How Fair Practices Can Transform Farm Work
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Recognize Equal Effort: Treat all workers equally regardless of gender.
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Transparent Wage Structures: Clearly define rates for full-day and half-day work.
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Empower Women: Encourage women to voice concerns about wages and working conditions.
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Supportive Supervision: Supervisors should guide, not intimidate, workers.
Fair and transparent practices do more than just increase wages-they boost morale, productivity, and trust, which are essential for sustainable farming.
Final Thoughts
The discussion at Organic Mandya sheds light on the social aspects of agriculture-a factor often overlooked in farming conversations. Beyond planting, watering, and harvesting, fair labor practices and gender equality are critical for the long-term sustainability of small farms.
“Respect, fairness, and equality on the field are just as important as the seeds we plant. Farming is not just about crops; it’s about nurturing people too,” concludes a trainee.
By understanding these challenges and implementing equitable practices, farms can become more productive, sustainable, and inclusive, ensuring that everyone benefits fairly from the fruits of their labor.
