Field Evaluation of Multi‑Purpose Mittens for Drudgery Reduction in Soybean Harvesting

Abstract

Manual soybean harvesting remains common among smallholders in India and is associated with hand injuries, skin irritation, and drudgery especially for women farm workers. An ergonomic, low‑cost multi‑purpose mitten (MPM) was introduced through Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) to reduce discomfort and improve work output. To evaluate the effectiveness of MPMs in increasing area harvested per day and reducing skin irritation during soybean harvesting under farmer field conditions over five crop seasons (2020–2024) were analyzed. Thirteen participants per year (n = 65 total) across six villages in Akola district were enrolled in KVK‑led FLDs. Each participant was observed under two treatments: T1- harvesting without mitten (control) and T2-harvesting with the multi‑purpose mitten (intervention). Outcomes recorded were area harvested per day (ha·day⁻¹) and a post‑work skin‑irritation score on a standardized 0–20 scale. Annual means and percentage change between T1 and T2 were summarized. Across five years, T2 increased mean area harvested per day by an average of ~51% (yearly range: 33–100%) and reduced mean skin‑irritation scores by ~72% (yearly range: 60–88%). Pooled across years, the mean area harvested rose from ~0.05 to ~0.08 ha·day⁻¹, while skin‑irritation scores decreased from ~12.5 to ~3.4 (0–20 scale). Benefits were consistent across locations and years. MPMs provide a practical, affordable ergonomic solution that reduces drudgery and improves harvesting efficiency in soybean. Wider dissemination through extension systems is recommended, with scope for additional assessments on musculoskeletal outcomes and cost benefit at scale.