The walnut harvest season in Toyserkan, where its walnut orchards have gained worldwide fame, is annually marked by tragic incidents. This year, 134 walnut harvesters suffered serious injuries such as spinal cord injuries and limb fractures, and unfortunately, 4 of them lost their lives. These bitter and recurring incidents remind us of the serious dangers that walnut harvesters face.
Living in the Shadow of Danger
Hasan Alvand, an experienced walnut harvester, recalls how he fell from a tree 6 years ago and suffered serious injuries. He says, "When I was picking walnuts from a 10-meter tree, my blood sugar dropped, and I fell from the tree." This incident not only severed his hand at the wrist but has severely impacted his life. Hasan is now helping his family in packaging walnuts, but the bitter memories of that day will never fade from his mind.
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Risk Factors and Solutions
The height of the walnut trees in Toyserkan itself poses a risk factor. Ali Alvandi, another walnut harvester, says, "The walnut trees in this area are very tall, and this height causes workers who fall to sustain severe injuries." He also points to the problems arising from traditional walnut harvesting methods and speaks of the necessity to mechanize this process. Abdollah Aghaei, an old cultivator, emphasizes that changing agricultural methods and using machinery can help reduce injuries among walnut harvesters.
The bitter experiences of walnut harvesters are not limited to Toyserkan, as similar incidents occur in other cities in Hamadan province. This year, over 300 incidents of injury among walnut harvesters have been recorded in Hamadan province, with 134 of those related to Toyserkan. These incidents and injuries clearly indicate the need for a change in traditional methods and the use of modern technologies in agriculture.
Suggestions for Improving Conditions
Insurance coverage for walnut harvesters has been a positive step towards alleviating the problems faced by the families of walnut harvesters. Although insurance covers part of the treatment costs for the injured, it is necessary for all walnut harvesters to be mandatorily insured. Given that the walnut harvest in Toyserkan is about 17,000 tons, attention to the safety of workers and improving their working conditions seems essential.
Toyserkan, with 6,200 hectares of walnut orchards on the southern slopes of Mount Alvand, is recognized as one of the walnut hubs in Iran. However, despite this potential, the tragic incidents of this season highlight the need for greater attention to the safety and health of walnut harvesters.
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