Those who did not die : impact of the agrarian crisis on women in Punjab / Ranjana Padhi.

Includes bibliographical references.

An outline of the crisis in Punjab -- Dynamics of women's labour -- Dowry in dire times -- Ill health in an ailing economy -- Fragmentation of the family -- Taking decisions; voicing expectations.

Even as they produce food for society and its people, lives dependent on agriculture are barely able to make ends meet. The cost of food production far outweighs the returns; the peasantry is falling prey to indebtedness, both institutionalized and non- institutionalized. It is facing the severest of challenges, with even dalit landless labourers becoming victims of indebtedness and succumbing to suicide, Based on a study done in eight districts of the Malwa region of the Punjab, this book uses quantitative data along with field work, narratives and interviews with peasant unions.