GENDER VARIATION IN DRUDGERY EXPERIENCE WITH IMPROVED TOOLS IN AGRICULTURE

Many labour saving devices and improved farm implements have been developed. Access to these technologies is difficult due to one or other reasons. An effort has been taken by All India Coordinated Research Project on Home Science (FRM Component) to introduce improved tools to farm men and women and test their efficacy. Among females maximum reduction in drudgery experience was observed while using cot bag (37.7%) followed by sickle and safety gloves (30.4% each). among males also maximum reduction in drudgery experience was observed while using cot bag (35.9%). Improved sickle and safety gloves had almost similar reduction in drudgery experience i.e. 28.8% and 28.2% respectively. Various disorder symptoms reported by the respondents while doing different farm activities were itching, burning, numbness, swelling and pain. With the use of technologies there was a reduction in the disorder symptoms as compared to traditional methods. Reduction in disorder symptoms was larger in women than men.