Effect of an Improved Ring Cutter on Drudgery Reduction in Brinjal Harvesting: Testing of Women-friendly Technology

Abstract

Agricultural activities in India heavily rely on women, yet their tools often lack ergonomic considerations, resulting in physical strain and health hazards. Brinjal harvesting, predominantly carried out by women, involves repetitive motions, awkward postures, and traditional tools that exacerbate discomfort and reduce productivity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an ergonomic intervention—an improved ring cutter—in reducing drudgery and enhancing the work efficiency of thirty farm women in Shamshabad Mandal, Telangana. Data was collected on assessing grip and pinch strength, work output, health hazards and satisfaction levels, comparing traditional methods with the improved tool. Results demonstrated that the ring cutter significantly improved grip and pinch strength, reduced harvesting time and increased productivity from 56–75 kg/day to 60–80 kg/day. The tool minimized musculoskeletal discomfort and eliminated injuries like cuts and hand muscle pain, common in traditional methods. Additionally, 76.7 per cent of respondents were fully satisfied with the ergonomic tool, with 100 per cent willing to adopt it. The findings emphasized the importance of women-friendly technologies in agriculture, contributing to reduced drudgery, enhanced productivity and sustainable development in rural communities. This study advocates for integrating ergonomic interventions into agricultural practices to improve the health and well-being of farm women.