Ergonomic Assessment of a Battery-operated Cereal Harvester for Women Farm Workers in the NEH Region

Abstract

A battery-powered, walking-type cereal crop harvester was developed, incorporating anthropometric data of women from the North Eastern Hill (NEH) region, to address the issues of drudgery, rapid fatigue, and occupational health risks commonly faced by female agricultural workers. The study involved a comparative ergonomic evaluation of manual harvesting using a sickle and mechanical harvesting using the developed harvester on paddy variety PR-126. Nine female participants were categorized into three age groups: AF (20–24 years), BF (25–29 years), and CF (30–34 years). The ergonomic parameters, including, Heart Rate (HR), Increase in Heart Rate (∆HR), Energy Expenditure Rate (EER), Oxygen Consumption Rate (OCR), and Body Part Discomfort Rating (BPDR), were recorded and analyzed. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in physiological stress and physical discomfort with the use of the developed harvester. Compared to manual harvesting, average heart rate was reduced by 14.03%, and the increase in heart rate (ΔHR) was 52.87% lower. Similarly, EER and OCR were decreased by 32.17% and 14.63%, respectively. BPDR values, especially for the lower back, shoulders, and wrists, showed an average reduction of 27.2%, indicating improved operator comfort. These findings validate the ergonomic and operational advantages of the battery-operated harvester. It serves as a viable, health-conscious, and labour-efficient alternative to traditional harvesting methods, promoting occupational well-being and supporting the broader goal of gender-sensitive mechanization in agriculture.