Comparative assessment of grain picking activity using existing and improved grain picking tool

Abstract

Filling of cleaned grains in gunny bags for storage is one of the post-harvest operation which requires human physical efforts. Labourers while filling gunny bags with grains, using traditional tool, have to put in more efforts which results in lower output and increased time consumption. More number of repetitive motions also causes various musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The present study was, therefore, planned with an aim to test the efficiency of an improved tool, grain picker, designed and developed by department of FRM, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar in terms of reduction in muscular stresses and increase in work efficiency. The study was conducted on 15 randomly selected workers of grain market in Mullanpur town of Ludhiana district. Results revealed that improved tool, grain picker, enhanced work efficiency and increased work output. Hand grip fatigue was also reduced after working with improved tool.