Surabhi Gokhale

Motivated Economics Teacher focused on driving student achievement through innovative teaching and curriculum development. Integrated real-world economic concepts into lessons, fostering critical thinking and engagement. Demonstrated expertise in classroom management, technology integration, and effective communication to create impactful learning environments.

• Completed extra training to further help students under care.
• Author of “iNDUSTRIAL CONTRIBUTION TO EMPLOYEMENT GENERATION IN AGRO BASED INDUSTRIES OF CHHATISGARH,” published in IJMER in March 2026.

Certified [Educational Leadership and Management], [IIT Khadakpur, Raipur] - [Timeframe]

• Review of literature
• Gaps in earlier studies
• Statement of the problem
• Objectives
• Hypotheses
• Methodology
• Plan of the study
• References

• A study of challenges and opportunities for women workers in Agrobased industries (with special reference to Raipur District)
• Women is the magnificent creation of god, a multifaceted personality with the power of integrity, benevolence adjustability and tolerance. She is companion of men, a protector and provider, gifted with equal mental facul the embodiment of love and affection. The role given to women in a society is a measuring rod and true index of it’s civilization and cultural attainment.
• (Romila 2009)
• In ancient India, women had a status of dignity and knowledge. This was lost in the medival period because of social and political changes. Today their status is measured by various indicators such as sere ratio, literacy, work participating on some front & there are sign of hope but on others there is a decline in status our country has come a long way since independence. Women, who constitute nearly half of the population play a very significant role in home as well as outside world. The future of mankind is thus linked to the development of women’s potential.
• In these days the responsibility of women is not limited. Not only does she contributes to house hold activities but also contributes to the economic activities eg. agricultural sector, industrial sector service sector are some of the examples where they are playing a very important role.
• Across a wide range of industries their contribution to economic growth is immeasurable. In manufacturing and agrobased industries they often engage in production, packaging and quality control processes. In service and technology sector women excel in technical managerial and administrative role. They not only demonstrate strong leadership qualities but also prove themselves as innovators.
• Despite all these qualities and contributions many women workers face challenges and lack of opportunities, unequal pay, limited career advancements and workplace discrimination are some of them.

• Studying women workers in agro based industries is highly important because it is not only highlight their crucial yet often unrecognized contribution in this industry.
• There is a strong need of empowerement and enhancement of skills of there workers.
• To identify their challenges and use right measures will help to improve their productivity.
• This study will help the policy makers and govt to introduce the new policies also suggest the changesor improvement in the existing one.
• This study will help to understand how does women’s employment in agro industries impact on house hold income, food security and community development.
• This study will create a new way of opportunities to the female workers.

• Raipur district has a significant presence of agrobased industries with other small and medium, large industries. Agrobased industries in Raipur are about 570 units with an investment of Rs. 14,076,32 approximately lakhs employing around 5,654 workers.
• These industries have a huge contribution to the local economy by processing agro products and generate employment.
• The districts industrial profile include several recognized industrial units, the major industrial area is
• 1. Urla
• 2. Siltara
• 3. Bhanpuri
• 4. Rawabhata
• 5. Amaseoni
• There are around 500 agro industries including rice milles, bran oil units, fermented rice based products jam, pickel and food processing units are working.
• The region also linked with production clusters, dedicated to bakery items micro food units allied sectors and agro enterprises which supported by a stong industrial eco system.
• Agro based industries and female workforce (Raipur)
• Many women workers are engaged in agro industries majorly concentrated in textile, leather, food processing beverages, lether, tobacco industries.
• (Ministry of Statistics and programme implementation (MOSPI) 2023-24
• The urban labour force participation for Raipur is estimated at 51.0% for all ages 15 and above while the rural rate for workforce participation is 73.7%.
• The male urban LFPR stands at 75.6% and females it is 41.7%

• Economic Barriers
• Women engage in agrobased industries often face low wages, lack of alternative employment.
• Limited education and skill
• Many female workers are low literate or unskilled or trained which restrict their ability to adopt new technologies.
• Health & physical constraints
• Due to the demanding nature of work & physical constraints limit their performance and affect their health.
• Lack of access to resources
• Women workers frequently lack access to land, ownership, credit financial services and inputs.
• Social & cultural constraints
• Due to traditional gender roles place heavy domestic and caregiving responsibilities to women restricted to use their full caliber.
• Invisibility and lack of recognition
• Women’s contribution are often unpaid or underpaid are remain unrecognized in policy frameworks.
• Gender based wage disparities

• In the ever-evolving landscape of research, understanding the foundation laid by previous studies is crucial for advancing knowledge. This literature review shows the existing body of work surrounding the topic.
• National
• Payal Jaiswal constraints faced by women workers in nothern hills of Chhattisgarh (2018) Investigate Socio economic challenges, training, wage an workload challenges faced by women as agriculture labours in northern Chhattisgarh.
• J. Raja, Meenakshi give a brief detail about “occupational health of agricultural women workers in India” (2020) A comparitive study on occupational hazards and health issues.
• Vidya vermireddy “Women’s in agribusiness opportunity and challenged” (2022) Indian institute of Management. This report explores women participation in agribusiness.
• “Socio economic status of rural women workers in Agrobased industry” the pharma journal (2023) document income, employment, nature, work experience and job satisfaction.
• Women’s agripreneurship in India Maharashtra state : An analysis of the AC & ABC Scheme” (2024) Focussing on Socio – economic challenges and success of women.
• “An analysis of women’s participation in agrarian India all research journal (2021) highlight women’s agricultural activities and social role.
• Sahu, D. Awasthi H.K. Shekhar Nur gender based division of agricultural labour in chhattisgarh implications for income inequality and women’s empowerement (2024).
• Dhaneshwari Sahu, P.K. Sangode N.V. Ravishekhar “Impact assesment on socio economic profile of women mushroom growers in Raipur dist (International Journal).
• Adil Khan, Arun Kumar Singh, The relevance of food processing industry in women empowerement (A case study of Prayagraj) (26 Aug 2022) DOI 10.4172755851.003 found that food through processing changes units women empowerment can be achieve.
• Aparna C. women empowerment and it’s conceptual perspectives (2022 6; 5171 – 5176) describe the women empowerement need & concepts.
• Suresha KP wage, employment and output and it’s impact on women workers in industry in India. Think india journal 2019 : 22: 602 -609 Discuss briefly about the industrial female workers and their contribution in GDP.
• International
• J: charmes IDRC ottawa (Nairobi 2000) African women in food processing a major, but still unrecognized sector of their contribution to the national economy.
• N Jahan, N Khan, N Jabeen Job satisfaction of women workers employed in agrobased and alloted industries. (Allreviewjournal.com)
• C. Paramuslvan. R Pasupathi Performance of agrobased industries in India. (National journal of advance 2016).
• Sanghmitra paramguru “Empowerment of rural women by participation in Agri based enterprises”
• FTO reort on “Gender and work in Agrifood systems” broadly reviews women’s role and labour conditions in global agrifood systems.
• “Challenges faced by women at workplace across the globe : A qualitative opproach” (2025) Status of unskilled women labourers problems and challenges” (2019) Nigerian society of women participation and empowerement in labour force.
• Nigeria Ekesionya This study focuses on women’s economic participation and empowerement as tools for self sufficiency and growth in ct al (2012) 39
• Debra A model to assess the significance of women’s contributions. This paper tried to evaluate the work women do, time spent at their work place assess their job’s value ct al (2007) 45
• A Rossi – The oxford handbook of industrial hub & economic 2020 women working conditions and industrial hubs. Shows the working conditions and the suggestions.

• Gendered economic analysis in previous studies.
• Since chhattisgarh is a land of agriculture coverage of a wide range of area is missing.
• Only few indicators covered in previous studies (LFDR, Regional and policy environment indicators) were missing.
• Understudied occupational health and safety risks specific to female agro workers.
• Insufficient research on intersectional barrises (caste, rural urban divides.
• Insufficient focus on addressing unpaid care work burdens that limit womens full participation.
• There are many researches conducted for male & female farmers in various level but no research is conducted for female workers in agro based industries or food processing unit which is a major subject to concern.

• Despite the crucial role women play in agrobased industries they continue to face difficulties that limit their true otential, productivity participation and empowerment, also recognition in the sector. Addressing these challenges is not only for improving women’s livelihood but also for enhancing the productivity and sustainability.
• This research will help to identify the challenges faced by women and explore potential pathways in agro based industries.

• To study the role and economic social contribution of women workers in agrobased industries.
• To identify their challenges and suggest appropriate measures.
• To explore the new opportunities for skill development and empowerment.
• To suggest vocational training programmes for their upliftment.
• Promote technology adoption to increase their productivity.
• Create community support systems (childcare facilities flexible hours) to help the female workers to balance household and professional responsibilities.
• Address gender based violance and bias in industris (agro)

• H0 : There is no significant diff in the wages earned by male & female workers (agro industries for the same type of work.)
• H0 : Access to vocational training and skill development programmes has no impact on women’s upliftment within the agrobased industry.
• H0 : No significant difference between the status of female agro based workers before/after the policy interventions.

• For researching challenges and opportunities faced by women workess in agrobased industries a well planned methodology with the combination of quantiative & qualitative data will use.
• Mixed method approach
• Quantitative data will collect through surveys (demographic profile employment pattern workplace challenges and opportunities.
• Qualitative data will collect through interviews case study live experiences social cultural barriers and contectural factors.

• A descriptive survey research design will follow to conduct the study. Descriptive studies are the one in which the information will collect without changing the environment.
• Interview method use to gather the information (with the ethical consent) on a population at a single point of time. For data collection schedule/questionaire will prepare. Secondary data will be collected from govt reports, help and magzines and journals.

• Structured questionnaires
• Statistical analysis (chi square, annova) to examine relationship between demographic factors and challenges.
• Thematic analysis (gender bias access to trainning, technology leadership roles.
• Value chain & life cycle analysis
• Review of secondary data (govt schemes, policies and publish reports)

• The preseat research will follow a mixed method and descriptive research. Combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches to study about the challenges and opportunities of women workers in agro based industries in Raipur Dist. The study will be conducted in a systematic manner and well structured phase, ensuring systematic data collection, analysis interpretation.
• I. Literature review & conceptual framework development
• In first phase a detailed and extensive review of literature will be carried out using international, national research articles, global magzines, govt reports will be reviewed.
• II. Selection of study area, sample design
• The study will be conducted in Aarang, Abhanpur, Urla, Siltara industrial areas. Interview method will use to gather information schedule questionnaire will prepare. Secondary data will be collected from govt offices, govt schemes.
• III. Field work & data collection
• Interview method will be use togather the information for data collection (primary) schedule/questionnaire will prepare secondary data will be collected from govt reports departments, labour office, concern industries, magzines etc.
• IV. Qualitative Analysis
• V. Interpretation, Validation and drafting of report after data analysis findings will be interpreted and validated through local authorities.
• VI. Finalization and Dissemination
• The final phase involves editing, proofreading and submission of the thesis. A summary of findings will be share with related industries NGO’s and local authorities and policy makers to promote awarness.
• Ethical concern will take to remain the privacy no sensitive personal data will be collected.

• Skill development & capacity building.
• Gender mainstreaming and resource access
• Financial inclusion
• Infrastructure support
• Legal social reforms

• Udyogini Programme
• Mahatari Vandan
• Chhattisgarh industrial development programme.
• Hands on training and capacity programmes.

• Introduction
• Overview of agro-based industries in Raipur
• Importance of women workers in these industries
• Objectives and scope of the chapter
• Context and Background
• Socio-economic profile of women workers in Raipur's agro-based sector
• Historical and cultural factors influencing women's participation in agro-industries
• Challenges Faced by Women Workers
• Dual burden of farm and household work limiting time availability
• Lack of technical knowledge and training on farm equipment use
• Family and societal restrictions, limited freedom in decision making
• Health issues and inadequate access to healthcare services
• Low wages, seasonal or irregular employment, and lack of job security
• Limited access to financial resources, credit, and markets
• Gender discrimination, lack of trust in women's capacities, and unsafe work environments
• Limited education and literacy constraining adoption of modern practices
• Absence of representation in agricultural policy and governance
• Opportunities for Women Workers
• Skill development and training programs tailored for women
• Access to credit and financial inclusion initiatives
• Government and NGO schemes supporting women in agro-based industries
• Potential for women’s leadership and entrepreneurship in agro-sector
• Technological aids and innovations to ease women's workload
• Case Studies and Empirical Evidence
• Specific findings from studies in Raipur and Chhattisgarh on women workers’ conditions
• Success stories and best practices from local women workers or groups
• Policy Recommendations and Strategies
• Enhancing access to education and training
• Improving healthcare and social security for women workers
• Financial empowerment through credit, subsidies, and market linkages
• Creating safe and equitable work environments
• Encouraging women's participation in decision-making bodies
• Conclusion
• Summary of key challenges and emerging opportunities
• Future directions for research and policy focusing on women in agro-industries in Raipur

• Bhattacharya. N (2011) specific reference to local agrobased food processing industries (pubmed)
• Shelake P, S, Sabat, M & Dabhi M. N (2019) Women empowerment through agro processing sector Rashtriya Krishi, 14 (1) 91-94 ISSN-0994-0759.
• Lecoutere E (2023) Where women in agri food systems are at highest climate risk, Frontiers in sustainable food systems 7, Article 1197809.
• Singh, R & Srivastava P (2017) Role of women in agro and allied sector. Journal of social and economic development 19 (2) 320-335.
• Chandel S. S & Chandel R. S (2020) Women’s participation in agro based industries. A case study. (Journal of extension education 32 (1) 128-135.
• Kabeer, Naila and Simeen Mahmud (2004) Globalization, Gender and Poverty : Bangladeshi women workers in export and local markets; journal of international development 16 (1) 93-109.
• Milton H. Kronenberg M.D. working conditions for female employees Jama 1944, 124 (11).
• Sr Anvekar, L R Manjunatha, Dr Sandhya Women workers in construction industry issues and challenges relating working conditions in Bangaluru.
• KD Sharma, M. S. Patharia and G. D. Vashist, Role of rural women in small scale agro processing An economic Analysis of Samridhi Mahila Processing Co-operative Society in Himanchal Pradesh.
• Acharya S. S (1997) “Agriculture industry linkages, public policy and some areas of concern” (Agricultural economics research review vol 10 no 2 PP 162-175.
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• Food and Agriculture organization (FAO) 2023 The status of women in Agrifood Systems.
• The Pharma Journal (2023) Socio economic status of rural women workers in agro based industry. Vol 12 Issues 3 PP, 57-104.
• Adhikiran V. Vasantha S. D. Women Labourers in selected plantations of Kerala social welfare 2004 ; 50. 22.25
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