5.5.3. Fisheries

The fishing community regards the water body as ‘mother’ or ‘provider’. The water bodies consisting of sea, oceans, rivers, lakes, natural aquatic ponds, streams etc. are, therefore, an integral and life-giving source for the fishing community.

In the context of fisheries, water bodies are crucial. They provide the habitat for various fish species and are essential for the livelihood of fishing communities. These communities often see water as a source of life and sustenance, referring to it as 'mother'. The oceans, rivers, and lakes are not just resources but part of their cultural identity and way of life.

Think of water bodies as an essential part of a family. Just as a parent provides shelter, food, and care to their children, water bodies provide a habitat for fish and livelihood for fishermen. Without healthy water ecosystems, both the fish and fishing communities would suffer.

In India, after progressive increase in budgetary allocations and introduction of new technologies in fisheries and aquaculture, the development of fisheries has come a long way. Presently, fish production from inland sources contributes about 65 per cent to the total value of fish production and the balance 35 per cent comes from the marine sector (sea and oceans).

The growth of fisheries in India is significantly supported by government investments and advancements in technology. Now, most fish production comes from inland sources such as rivers and lakes, which account for 65% of the total fish output, while only 35% comes from ocean fishing. This shift highlights the importance of utilizing local resources for food security.

Imagine a gardener who primarily grows vegetables in their backyard (inland sources) but also tends to a small community garden (marine sources). By focusing more on their backyard, they can better manage resources and ensure a steady supply of fresh food.

Today total fish production accounts for 0.9 per cent of the total GDP. In India, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are major fish producing states.

Fish production contributes significantly to India's economy, accounting for almost 1% of the nation's GDP. This small percentage reflects not only the economic value of fish but also the importance of the fishing industry in providing jobs and food for millions of people. The major states involved in fish production highlight regional specializations, with each area contributing based on its resources.

Consider a local market where fishmongers sell their freshly caught seafood. The abundance of fish sold in this market fuels the local economy and provides jobs for fishermen, similar to how popular restaurants enhance the economy by drawing in more customers as they enjoy the local cuisine.

A large share of fishworker families are poor. Rampant underemployment, low per capita earnings, absence of mobility of labour to other sectors and a high rate of illiteracy and indebtedness are some of the major problems the fishing community faces today.

Despite the economic contributions of fisheries, many families involved in fishing are impoverished. Underemployment means that many individuals may not be engaged in fishing year-round or may not earn enough to support their families adequately. Issues such as limited access to education, mobility, and debt further complicate their situation, creating a cycle of poverty.

Picture a fisherman who only catches enough fish to feed his family but cannot afford to repair his boat. Each year, the boat falls further into disrepair, limiting his ability to fish and causing financial strain. This cycle of underemployment and poor access to resources is a reality for many in the fishing community.

Even though women are not involved in active fishing, about 60 per cent of the workforce in export marketing and 40 per cent in internal marketing are women.

Women play a crucial role in the fisheries sector, particularly in marketing fish both for export and domestic consumption. Although they may not fish themselves, their efforts in selling and promoting fish products are vital for the economy. This highlights the need for better support, such as access to credit and training, to empower women in this sector.

Think of women as the backbone of a restaurant. Even though they may not cook, their skills in managing the restaurant, ordering supplies, and marketing dishes play a crucial role in its success. Similarly, women in fisheries ensure that the products reach the market effectively, contributing to overall productivity.

There is a need to increase credit facilities through cooperatives and SHGs for fisherwomen to meet the working capital requirements for marketing.

To enhance the income of women involved in fisheries, it is essential to provide better financial support through credit facilities. Cooperatives and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can play a vital role in offering loans and financial advice, helping fisherwomen gain the financial independence needed to thrive in the market.

Imagine a group of women banding together to start a small bakery. By pooling resources and sharing costs, they can buy better ingredients and market their products more effectively. This cooperative approach mirrors how fisherwomen can benefit by uniting to access financial resources.

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