Anthropometry of Farm Workers of Kashmir Region of India for Equipment Design

Abstract

Anthropometric data (25 body dimensions, relevant to design of farm machinery) of 610 farm workers was collected from Kashmir region of India. The comparison between the Kashmir region data and different regions of India and six foreign countries is presented. There were significant differences in weight, stature and other body dimensions between the populations. Kashmiri women were taller by 31 mm as compared to south Indian female workers, but had differences in hand length. No differences existed between stature eye height, hand length and inside grip diameter among females from Kashmir and North-eastern regions. Kashmiri women were heavier and fatter as compared to other selected regions of the country. Indian men were shorter by 75 mm as compared to Americans. The muscular strength (elbow flexion) of Indian workers was lower (241 N) as compared to Americans (270.7 N). Similarly, hand grip strength of Indian workers was lower (301.8 N) than Americans (398 N). Application of data in design of agricultural equipment is demonstrated.