Abstract
Background -Maharashtra being one of the developed states in India, is a hub for in-migration. Seasonal migration of agricultural workers during sugar cane harvesting season has been an established phenomena. Thousands of workers with their families come to Maharashtra for the period of approximately six months, starting from November each year. This migratory population faces various adversities of life. Agricultural workers face a large number of health problems, many of which arise from their work Material and Methods- Prospective observational study was carried out for the period of six months in the operational Zones of 3 Co-operative Sugar Processing Units. Results- Study revealed that the literacy rate among workers was extremely low. Majority belonged to lower socioeconomic class and from underprivileged section of the society. The housing and living conditions at work site were extremely poor. The nutritional status of the workers and their family members was unsatisfactory. Malnutrition, respiratory, musculoskeletal, dermatological, gastrointestinal diseases were very much prevalent. There was high prevalence of addictions and domestic violence among these workers. Overall reproductive health of males and female members was worrisome. Lack of antenatal care and unsafe delivery practices result in high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The immunization status of the children of these workers was unsatisfactory. Conclusion- A well defined policy, comprehensive approach, well coordinated actions and political will for social welfare and medical care, will help to improve the plight of migratory sugarcane harvest workers.
Highlights
National Safety Council of the US estimated that the agriculture was the most dangerous occupation followed by mining, quarrying and construction.[1]
The selected factory employs about nearly 10000 migratory seasonal worker families, every season, to harvest sugarcane crop grown in a radius of 30-40 kilometers, and to harvest crop grown in free zone, which is normally located beyond 45 kms
Dietary information was collected by recall method and the same was analyzed to arrive at the average food intake per capita per day and their calorific values have been calculated on the basis of standard nutritional values of different food items consumed
Summary
National Safety Council of the US estimated that the agriculture was the most dangerous occupation followed by mining, quarrying and construction.[1]. Still others will develop health problems due to strenuous and hazardous working conditions at work place and primitive, unhygienic and over-crowded living conditions in the place of migration This has implications both for the health of migrants themselves; and for that of the community they move into.[1] Unless well thought-of or well planned by local PHC system in anticipation of incoming migrant labour, the medical services are usually not in a position to cope up with the influx of people, who are non residents.[1] An estimated, two and a half million laborers are employed in harvesting and transportation operations in every season (Oct-Mar) in the sugarcane growing areas of Maharashtra, IJBAR (2012) 03(02). Conclusion- A well defined policy, comprehensive approach, well coordinated actions and political will for social welfare and medical care, will help to improve the plight of migratory sugarcane harvest workers
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