Ergonomic Evaluation of Drudgery and Cardiovascular Stress among Farm Women in Cucurbit Cultivation under Pandal Systems

Abstract

Women in Indian agriculture, particularly those engaged in vegetable cultivation under the Pandal system, face significant occupational health challenges due to physically intensive activities. This study aimed to assess the physiological workload, ergonomic risks and drudgery experienced by farm women during bottle gourd cultivation in the Pandal system. Fifty women from Kaveliguda village, Shamshabad mandal, Telangana, aged 18 years and above, were evaluated using ergonomic tools and physiological measurements. Parameters such as heart rate, energy expenditure and oxygen saturation were measured. Variations in oxygen saturation values observed during activity were attributed to field-based measurement limitations such as motion artefacts. The results revealed high cardiovascular and musculoskeletal stress, with women performing repetitive tasks in awkward postures using traditional tools. Tasks such as transplanting and harvesting scored highest in drudgery and postural discomfort. The findings highlight the urgent need for women-centric ergonomic interventions, including posture-friendly tools, adjustable transplanting aids, lightweight harvesting devices and age-appropriate task allocation, to reduce occupational health risks and improve work efficiency among farm women.