SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS, WORKING ENVIRONMENT, AND PHYSICAL HAZARDS AFFECTING AGRICULTURAL WORKERS IN ALIGARH DISTRICT, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Background: Agriculture is the primary occupation in rural India. Agricultural workers are indispensable to rural economies, playing a significant role in ensuring food security and economic stability. However, they are among the most vulnerable occupational groups,facing numerous health and safety challenges.This study seeks to examine their socio-economic and working conditions, with a particular emphasis on the physical hazards common in their work environment. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 380 agricultural workers in Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh,India.Information on demographic details,work-related characteristics,and physical hazard factors was gathered using a structured interview schedule between November 2023 to March 2024 through multistage sampling. The descriptive data were presented in the form of categories, along with their corresponding numbers and percentages. Results: Agricultural workers face many challenges, especially those from disadvantaged groups like Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes. Low education levels make these problems worse. About 30% of workers could not read or write, and very few have studied beyond high school. Financial struggles are common, with 63.6% of workers reported that their earnings from farming are not enough.The hard physical labour also takes a toll on their health.Over 84% of workers often feel tired and weak,and many suffer from sunstroke due to working long hours in the sun. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the importance of implementing proper health and safety measures, including training programs and providing protective equipment.Addressing these issues can improve the health and quality of life of agricultural workers while creating a safer workplace in the farming sector.