Socio-economic aspects of the monsoon fisheriesof the west coast of India

Along the west coast, fishing operation during monsoon period (Jime - August) as a family occupation, is only at a subsistence level except for trawlers and gillnetters at a few centres. The number of mechanised units under operation during monsoon is reduced to about 10% of the total units and non-mechanised including motorised crafts to 25%. The household income during monsoon is very low and consequently fishermen become permanent debters. During monsoon the level of employment is reduced to about 20%. Consumer has to pay very high price for fish and the producer (fisherman) does not get his due share in consumer's rupee. Socio-economic studies conducted in a number of villages along the west coast indicate that in the present coastal rural set-up it is rather difficult to impose a complete ban on the monsoon fishery. It would further aggravate the poor economic situation in fishing villages. To overcome the problems faced by fishermen, especially of artisanal sector, it is suggested to (1) constitute a public agency to purchase fish at a minimum price whenever there is glut at the landing centre and distribute throughout the year and at interior places, (2) provide adequate finance at reasonable terms and conditions through co-operatives and (3) extend all facilities for developing prawn fanning as well as integrated fish-crop-livestock farming.