This book explores the interplay of farm mechanization, human factors and climatic and other environmental uncertainty in agriculture, using an ergonomics based approach to discuss solutions to the traditionally acknowledged vulnerability of the sector. It converges contemporary research documentation, case studies and international standards on agricultural ergonomics, engineering anthropometry, human factors, basic occupational health services, safety management, human performance and system sustainability to provide a handy reference to students and professionals working to optimize agricultural output while balancing the rational utilization of labour in agricultural practices and human well-being.

Autorentext

Prof. P.K. Nag, Ph.D., D.Sc., is currently associated with the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (Deemed University), Belur Math, Kolkata. Prof. Nag is the former Director of the National Institute of Occupational Health (Indian Council of Medical Research) Ahmedabad, and Regional Occupational Health Centers (Bangalore and Kolkata). He specializes in the areas of Ergonomics and Human Factors, Environmental Health and Management, Climate Change, Occupational Health and Safety, and has teaching and research experience spanning four decades. He has written several books and reports and published 175 research articles in reputed journals. Prof. Nag has professional affiliations with numerous national and international agencies in different capacities.

Dr L.P. Gite, PhD, superannuated from the Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), Bhopal, India as a Project Coordinator and Emeritus Scientist. He has been profoundly involved to promote about ergonomics principles in the design and application of agricultural tools and equipment, and strengthen such research in agricultural engineering, and allied institutes, and Standards bodies. He has authored multiple books and about 55 research papers which were published in reputed national and international journals.

Inhalt
Part 1: Agriculture growth and development.- Ch 1- World Agriculture- an introduction.- Ch 2. Manpower utilization- Working methods and practices.- Part 2: Fundamentals of Ergonomics & Human Factors.- Ch 3- Fundamental of ergonomics and human factors.- Ch 4- Energy cost of human labour.- Ch 5- Work planning and schedules.- Ch 6. Engineering anthropometry .- Part 3: Farming methods and practices.- Ch 7- Mechanization: Nature of development.- Ch 8- Small tools and devices.- Ch 9- Manually operated machines.- Ch 10- Heavy machinery.- Part 4: Health and Safety.- Ch 11- Accidents and injuries.- Ch 12- Health hazards.- Ch 13- Pesticide and chemical toxicity.- Ch 14- Basic occupational health services.- Appendices.