ACIRP-WIA, PJTSAU, Hyderabd has organized a gosthi an interface meeting on eve of Mahila Kisan Diwas, on 15-10-2021 about importance of women in agriculture, the need to empower themselves. Enlightened the farm women on the role they play in food production and apt to be titled as “ANNAPURNA” incarnation of goddess Durga. Farm women were appraised on how to be a decision maker and build self-confidence and improve their information seeking behavior. Training programme was conducted on drudgery reducing technologies like Long handle weeder, sapling trans planter , serrated sickles, head load manager, ring cutter etc., which helps in reducing their physical strain caused due to improper postures and long working hours. The light weight serrated sickles were given to the women as it helps in reducing the strain caused to wrist and finger while working with it. The Head load mangers decreases the weight on the head and spinal cord while carrying loads in head, followed by sapling transplanter it helps in transplanting the saplings in standing posture and long handle weeder eases the weeding operation without bending. The ring cutter facilitates easy harvesting of flowers and vegetables without causing rashes to the skin and also saves time. During the training programme the women are given hands on experience about the types of simple protective clothing that can be worn during various field activities. Use and availability of Knitted gloves and face cover were explained and the women farmers worn the PPE and given the feedback. The women farmers expressed the happiness as the gloves were really protecting them from wounds, cuts from hard woody materials, insect bites and allergies from few plants. Moreover, the gloves were very comfortable to wear, washable, reusable and nominal price. Regarding the face cover, the women farmers explained the best protection after wearing it. They also expressed that the face cover helps them from protection from sun, insect bites, cut and wounds and it is cool and sweat absorbent. All the women farmers expressed happiness in using protective gear during field activities.
