Occupational Health of Agricultural Women Workers in India

Indian J Community Med. 2020 Oct-Dec;45(4):546-549. doi: 10.4103/ijcm.IJCM_397_19. Epub 2020 Oct 28.

Abstract

Background: Women in Agriculture form a significant portion of the productive work force in Indian economy. Occupational Health is a vital component of nation's infrastructure and it focuses on the physical, mental and social well being of workers. In India, Occupational Heath among agricultural women is a public health issue which needs immediate attention.

Objectives: To study the association between health and agriculture, the occupational hazards and health problems faced by agricultural women workers and the related policy provisions in India.

Methods: An extensive literature review and data search were done using online search engines, peer reviewed articles and the reports of various departments of Government of India.

Results: The result reveals that Occupational health hazards have a direct impact on the physical and mental health of women workers.

Conclusion: Implementation of social security and welfare measures by the Government for the agricultural women could enhance the health of women workers.

Keywords: Agriculture; informal sector; occupational hazards; occupational health; women workers.