Development of Protective Gloves for Okra Pluckers of Punjab

Based on the hazards faced by okra pluckers, full arm length gloves were designed as protective clothing. Single and double layers of denim, thick woven fabric and knitted fabric were used as protective clothing. Acceptability of the type of the fabric was evaluated through field trials based on restriction in movement, adverse effect on productivity and the time taken for plucking. It was observed that full arm length protective gloves having double layer on the inner side made from knitted fabric was the most accepted design. The respondents were highly satisfied with all the attributes of the knitted protective gloves. Further, while wearing knitted gloves, the increase in productivity of plucking okra was reported by 16 per cent of the respondents.