India, Nov. 5 -- An increasing number of women are now involved in agriculture in India. However, the farm equipment they are expected to use have been designed keeping men's bodies in mind - their body dimensions, strength and working posture.

But this creates a problem for women who have a different physique.

To ensure that women have the right equipment, the Government of Odisha has put in place a policy that lays down protocols for women-centric ergonomic testing for all machines that are provided through government programs. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was finalised on November 4, 2025, at an expert committee meeting.

According to the Economic Survey of India 2024-25, the share of women farmers in agriculture has increa...