Empowering Farm Women: The Role of Drudgery-Reducing Technologies in Promoting Gender Equity

The transition of Indian agriculture from animal-driven to machine-driven practices has introduced various tools and implements aimed at increasing ef iciency and reducing physical labour.Ergonomics, the science of tailoring equipment and workstations to the capabilities and limitations of the human body, plays an important role in reducing physical stress and health risks associated with agricultural work, especially for female workers who face repetitive and dif icult tasks.This study explored the introduction and impact of ten drudgery-reducing farm technologies for farm women.The primary goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of these technologies in enhancing productivity and reducing physical labour through a capacitybuilding training program.A capacity-building training program was conducted in Kaveliguda village, targeting 50 farm women.The training focused on ten drudgery-reducing farm technologies, which included sapling transplanters, improved sickles, longhandle weeders, Head load managers, Seed placement tubes, Finger guards, Ring cutters, different types of Cotton harvest bags, Knitted gloves, and Seed cum fertilizer bag.Pre and post-training evaluations were carried out to assess changes in awareness and adoption rates.Socio-economic constraints, including low income and limited contact with extension services, create signi icant barriers to training participation and technology uptake.The pre-and post-training evaluations revealed signi icant increase in awareness of the drudgery-reducing technologies.There was a moderate adoption rate of these technologies among the participants.The indings underscore the importance of accessible training and technology in enhancing productivity and occupational comfort for women in agriculture.By emphasizing ergonomics and user-centered design principles, this study highlighted the importance of active participation of women in the design process to ensure that the equipment meets their speci ic needs and preferences.This participatory approach not only increased the usefulness and acceptance of the equipment among women farmers but also created a sense of ownership.Prioritizing ergonomics in tool design and implementation can create a more equitable and sustainable agricultural sector that supports the health and empowerment of women farmers.