MEV 002: Block-3 (Unit 02) – Agriculture and allied sector

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 UNIT 2: AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED SECTOR

2.1 Introduction

Agriculture and its allied sectors form the backbone of many economies, particularly in developing countries like India. These sectors not only provide food and raw materials but also employment to a significant portion of the population. The allied sectors include animal husbandry, forestry, fishing, and greenhouse farming, each contributing to the overall productivity and sustainability of rural livelihoods. However, individuals involved in these sectors often face multiple occupational hazards due to exposure to chemicals, biological agents, strenuous physical activities, and environmental conditions.

2.2 Objectives

After reading this unit, you should be able to:

  • Understand the components of agriculture and allied sectors.
  • Identify common agricultural activities and their workforce distribution.
  • Describe various occupational hazards in the agricultural and allied industries.
  • Explain health risks associated with agrochemicals, respiratory exposures, musculoskeletal stress, and zoonotic diseases.
  • Recognize specific risks in forestry, fishing, and greenhouse operations.

2.3 Agriculture and Allied Sector

Agriculture encompasses activities related to crop production and animal husbandry. The allied sectors include forestry, fishing, and newer forms like greenhouse farming. These sectors are interlinked and collectively contribute to national development, food security, and rural income generation.

2.3.1 Agricultural Activities

Agricultural activities include:

  • Crop cultivation: Preparing land, sowing, irrigating, fertilizing, weeding, and harvesting.
  • Animal husbandry: Rearing livestock for milk, meat, wool, and draught power.
  • Horticulture: Cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants.
  • Aquaculture: Breeding and harvesting of aquatic species in controlled environments.
  • Agroforestry: Integration of trees and shrubs with crop and livestock farming.

2.3.2 Agricultural Workforce

The agricultural workforce consists of:

  • Farmers and cultivators: Those owning or leasing land for cultivation.
  • Agricultural laborers: Seasonal or permanent workers hired for farm activities.
  • Women and children: A large portion of the informal workforce, especially in developing countries.
  • Contract workers: Employed through agencies for specific operations like pesticide spraying or harvesting.

2.4 Occupational Hazards Associated with Agriculture and Allied Sectors

Farming and related sectors expose workers to a broad range of occupational health risks, from acute injuries to chronic diseases.

2.4.1 Agrochemicals

Agrochemicals include fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Health hazards from exposure include:

  • Acute toxicity: Headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and seizures.
  • Chronic effects: Cancer, reproductive disorders, neurological impairments.
  • Exposure routes: Inhalation, dermal absorption, ingestion.

2.4.2 Agriculture Respiratory Hazards

Farmers are exposed to dust, mold spores, pesticide aerosols, and fumes:

  • Farmer’s lung: Caused by inhalation of moldy hay or grain dust.
  • Chronic bronchitis and asthma: Due to long-term exposure to irritants.
  • Occupational asthma: Triggered by pesticide or allergen exposure.

2.4.3 Musculoskeletal Disorders in Agricultural Industry

Manual labor, repetitive tasks, and poor ergonomics lead to:

  • Lower back pain from bending or lifting.
  • Joint and muscle strain from continuous motion or vibration.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome in activities like milking or pruning.

2.4.4 Zoonotic Diseases

Diseases transmitted from animals to humans include:

  • Brucellosis: From unpasteurized dairy or contact with infected animals.
  • Leptospirosis: Spread through contaminated water or animal urine.
  • Anthrax and avian influenza: Via direct animal contact or inhalation.

2.4.5 Allergies and Skin Diseases

Common issues include:

  • Dermatitis from handling crops or chemicals.
  • Allergic reactions to animal dander, dust, or plants.
  • Photosensitivity and contact eczema due to chemical exposure.

2.5 Forestry Hazards

Forestry workers are vulnerable to:

  • Physical injuries from falling trees, chainsaws, and heavy machinery.
  • Insect bites and stings, including ticks carrying Lyme disease.
  • Exposure to extreme weather, increasing the risk of heatstroke or hypothermia.
  • Noise-induced hearing loss from machinery like chainsaws and tractors.

2.6 Fishing Hazards

Fishing, especially offshore, is among the most dangerous occupations:

  • Drowning and hypothermia from falling overboard or vessel capsizing.
  • Injuries from fishing gear: Hooks, nets, and winches.
  • Occupational dermatoses due to wet conditions and fish handling.
  • Fatigue and sleep disorders from long hours and irregular schedules.

2.7 Greenhouse Hazards

Greenhouse farming involves controlled environments that pose unique risks:

  • Heat stress and dehydration due to high temperatures and humidity.
  • Chemical exposure from intensive pesticide and fertilizer use in confined spaces.
  • Respiratory hazards from mold spores or dust in poorly ventilated areas.
  • Slips, trips, and falls due to wet floors or tangled hoses.

2.8 Let Us Sum Up

This unit highlighted the wide range of occupational activities and hazards in the agriculture and allied sectors. While these sectors are vital to the economy, they also present substantial risks to worker health and safety. Awareness, proper training, and the use of protective equipment are essential to mitigate these risks and promote a healthier work environment for millions involved in these sectors.

2.9 Key Words

  • Agrochemicals: Chemical products used in agriculture such as pesticides and fertilizers.
  • Zoonotic diseases: Infections transmitted from animals to humans.
  • Musculoskeletal disorders: Injuries affecting muscles, joints, and bones due to physical labor.
  • Greenhouse farming: Cultivation of plants in a controlled indoor environment.
  • Respiratory hazards: Health risks due to inhalation of harmful particles or gases.

 

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