A Study of Fishermen’s Livelihoods and Fish Processing Practices in Rajnandgaon: Traditional Approaches and Economic Outcomes

Abstract

There are 1.64 Lakh hectare average water area is available of fish culture in Chhattisgarh which require effective management for the welfare of poor fishermen. This study conducted a survey of socioeconomic condition of the fishermen’s who fully or partly depend on fishing activities in two selected reservoirs namely, Saroda and Chhirapani reservoirs in Kabirdham district, Chhattisgarh. The study evaluates the state of small-scale fishers, fishing operations,
and cooperatives in terms of socio-economic indicators and success performance during 2016-17 fishing season in these reservoirs. During the survey, 83 fishers, all of whom cooperative members, were interviewed in six different fishing villages. It was found that most of the fishermen were at the age group 31-40 years(38.6%), larger family size (4-6). About 46.6% fishermen on both the sites were illiterate with no person above secondary level and 17% were educated above secondary level. Housing condition of fishermen is mostly Katcha (67%) semi-pucca (22%) and pucca (11%). The average annual household income of the land owner (LO) fishermen ranges from Rs 1796-566888 whereas average annual household income of the land less LL fishermen ranges from Rs 8407-36990 which is much below the poverty line. Agriculture is the main occupation and aqua ulture are the main secondary occupations for the LO farmers. LL fishermen are mainly fulltime fishermen with agriculture and aquaculture labor being the main secondary occupations. Fish culture can improve their socioeconomic condition.