Health hazards of tribal women in agricultural activities in Kandhamal district of Odisha

The entry of women into the workforce as paid labour has been a gradual process extending over several centuries with a substantive increase following industrialization and World War -II. According to the Indian Fiscal commission, “Agriculture is not merely an occupation; it is a way of life which for centuries has shaped the thought and outlook of many millions of people.” According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the agricultural sector is one of the most hazardous to health worldwide. Agricultural work possesses several characteristics that are risky for health:exposure to the weather, close contact with animals and plants, extensive use of chemical and biological products, difficult working postures and lengthy hours, and use of hazardous agricultural tools and machinery. Most agricultural work is carried out in the open air and consequently agricultural workers are dependent on weather changes to perform their tasks. This factor not only undermines the efficiency of the operations, but also influences working conditions, making them difficult and dangerous (e.g. a rainstorm while harvesting, gusts of wind when pesticides are being applied, etc.). The existing research is highlighting the health hazards experienced by farm women in agricultural activitiesin Kandhamal District of Odisha. The significant findings reflected that most of the tribal women (55%) were affectingmedium level of health hazards which leads to frustration, hearing loss, skin disorders, certain cancers, chemical toxicity, and heat-related illnesses; 24.2 per cent of tribal women were affected by high level of health hazards where, 20.8 per cent were affected by lower level of health hazards. Majority of tribal farm women suggested that medical facilities should be available at village level.