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The Pharma Innovation Journal 2017; 6(11): 562-567
ISSN (E): 2277- 7695
ISSN (P): 2349-8242
NAAS Rating 2017: 5.03
TPI 2017; 6(11): 562-567
© 2017 TPI
www.thepharmajournal.com
Received: 18-09-2017
Accepted: 19-10-2017
Savita Kumari
Department of Family Resource
Management, CCS Haryana
Agricultural University, Hisar,
and Haryana, India
Dr. Manju Mehta
Department of Family Resource
Management, CCS Haryana
Agricultural University, Hisar,
and Haryana, India
Dr. Seema Shah
Extension Specialist Home
Science, KVK Berthin Distt,
Bilaspur HP, India
Dr. Kinkar Yadav
Department of Family Resource
Management, CCS Haryana
Agricultural University, Hisar,
and Haryana, India
Correspondence
Savita Kumari
Department of Family Resource
Management, CCS Haryana
Agricultural University, Hisar,
and Haryana, India
Adoption of ergo stool for pruning and harvesting by
the orchard worker in grape cultivation activities.
Savita Kumari, Dr. Manju Mehta, Dr. Seema Shah and Dr. Kinkar Yadav
Abstract
The aim of this study was to find out the adoption of ergo stool for pruning and harvesting by the orchard
worker in grape cultivation activities. Physical fitness was determined by calculating the physical
parameters i.e. height, weight, BMI, body composition, VO2 max(ml/kgxmin), Body temperature, blood
pressure, pulse rate, pulse pressure(mm/hg). The research designs comprised Ergo solution were
developed in department of FRM and for testing and feedback of ergo solution. one orchard was selected
randomly from the orchards selected in phase- II. An ergonomic experiment was carried out on 10
respondents, selected in phase II to find the feasibility of modified and developed ergo solution. This
phase was carried out in sub-stages described as follows, Design and development of Ergo stool for grape
pruning and harvesting activity. An ergonomically designed sit –stand multipurpose stool was developed
considering the anthropometric dimensions of the users populations and it was named as (Ergo stool for
pruning and harvesting). Ergo solution for pruning and harvesting consisted of platform made up of
wood. Two drawer were provided to store items such as water bottle, scaff, scateurs, blade, scissor etc.
The leg of Ergo solution for pruning and harvesting were simple, strong and made up of steel. On three
sides of stool, steel support was provided 5” from the floor level this helped to step on the stool. Handles
made up of steel helped to step on the stool. Conclusively on the basis of results of phase II pruning and
harvesting of the grapes were identified as the highly risk prone activities. So available technology used
by them was modified and ergo stool was developed for these two activities.
Keywords: grape cultivation, grape pruning, grape harvesting, ergo stool, orchards workers
Introduction
Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is an important fruit crop in India. Grapes are the third most widely
cultivated fruit after citrus and banana. Major grape-growing states are Maharashtra,
Karnataka, Andhra- Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and the north- western region covering Punjab,
Haryana, Delhi, western, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh (Singh, 2010)
[5]
. In
Haryana grapes are cultivated in an area of 111.00 (000 ha) with a total production of 1235.00
(Tons) and productivity of 11.10 (tons/ha) in 2010-11 (National Horticultural Board,
Government of India). Haryana is the sixth largest producers of grapes in the country with 5.7
million ton/hectare/ year. Grape cultivation is grown under a variety of soil and climatic
conditions (Shikhamany 2001)
[4]
. According to the International Labor Organization, the
agricultural sector is one of the most hazardous sectors. Agricultural workers involve several
strenuous activities like ploughing, spading, carrying, uprooting, planting, weeding, cutting,
shafting, threshing, sweeping, etc. Musculoskeletal disorders were common among farmers.
Grape cultivation is one of the agricultural activities. Grape cultivation involves various
activities like land preparation, irrigation, manuring, pruning, harvesting, transportation etc.
Many tasks such as dormant pruning, shoot suckering and crop harvesting were done
repetitively by hand and could result in musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among the workers.
Pruning had also been associated with increased risk of developing cumulative trauma disorder
of the wrist among workers. Vineyard rows (about 30 feet long each) was planted 8 to 12 feet
apart, with about five vines per row. Pruning one vine takes about 60 seconds. Pruning work
were shifts are 8 hours, with approximately 2400 cuts per hour i.e., about 60 vines per hour, or
480 vines per day (Roquelaure et al. 2002). Lifting and carrying of loads is typically
associated with harvesting of grapes, which are usually hand harvested and carried in some
type of basket or carrier to the edge of the field, where they are collected. Loads are often not
heavy (10 kg or less), but the distance to be travelled is significant in many cases and over
uneven terrain, which may also be wet or slippery. Training plants on trellises requires the