An ergonomic evaluation of pedal operated paddy thresher for farm women

Abstract

Traditional paddy threshing is a labour intensive operation and mostly carried out by farm women in awkward posture. In this study, the performance of pedal operated paddy thresher was evaluated with 12 farm women and compared with traditional method, i.e. manual beating of paddy on wooden log. The mean working HR in pedal operated paddy thresher was found to be 134 beats/min, whereas it was 141 beats/min by traditional method. The corresponding work pulse (ΔHR) was 51 beats/min. The energy expenditure rate (EER) was 17.71 kJ/min with the use of paddy thresher whereas traditional method it was recorded as 19.34 kJ/min. It was observed that there was 20% increase in output with paddy thresher. The total cardiac cost of work (TCCW) and physiological cost of work (PCW) in paddy thresher was recorded as 1662 and 55, respectively. The reduction in drudgery was observed about 43% as compared to traditional method. The pedal operated paddy thresher is an improved and convenient technology developed for minimizing drudgery and grain losses occurring during traditional threshing operation.