Assessment of drudgery of farm women in groundnut production system

Rural women farmers are actively involved in farming activities of groundnut production and in processing of value-added products of groundnut in addition to their domestic responsibilities. A study was conducted on assessment of drudgery of farm women in groundnut production system through drudgery reducing technology in Dharwad district of Karnataka comprising 150 samples. The results depicted that pod plucking was completely women exclusive activity. More than 9 kg weight was carried by women while removing stalks and stubbles/doing cleaning activity (9.25 kgs). The distance of carrying load was observed to be maximum in pod plucking (7.20 m). Highest pain rating of 3.73 (towards very painful) to lower back was reported by 62 followed by pain in knees (3.39) by 84 per cent women. Highest postural discomfort rating in knees (3.57) and lower back (3.47) was reported while performing weeding. Maximum rating of physiological workload was given to bundling and bunching (3.19) followed by weeding (3.13) which was performed by almost all women. Maximum drudgery index was found in case of bundling and bunching (34.50%) followed by pod plucking (32.92%) and removing of stalks and stubbles (28.81%). Among all the activities weeding was done for maximum number of days (18.20 man days).