Experts see the potential of women in rural economy growth.

HYDERABAD -- It was a common understanding of researchers and experts in agriculture, water and livestock management that rural women's participation in decision making at all levels-- ranging from production to marketing-- may contribute to increase family income. Mustafa Nangraj, a lead researcher in plantation, crops productivity, nutrition and marketing mechanism in rural areas, gave a reference of recent study he has conducted in 12 districts of the province, saying that 60 percent women do not have power to decide about cropsfarming-which crop should be cultivated at family's land. He was speaking at the program to orient media persons on 'Women empowerment through women's increased access to water resources and agricultural markets',

organized by Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) on Thursday at its office in Hyderabad. Besides media persons, representatives of Agriculture Extension, Livestock department, Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority (SIDA) and independent researchers participated in the event to discuss the challenges facing rural women, mostly in farming, livestock and water governance. Mr. Nangraj sharing his observations said that women play a major role in agriculture, specially stay involved in cultivation, sowing and harvesting while male have a little role. Thus, he suggested engaging women in agriculture, livestock management...