K. C. Sahu, S.K. Baliarsingh

The present article focuses on the background and socio-economic conditions of fisher folk in coastal district of Ganjam. The study was a component of Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) utilization and validation programme funded by Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). The feedback was collected during 2003-2005 by means of one-to-one interaction and awareness campaigns conducted in different villages and landing centers. The study confirms poor catch during bad weather conditions, turtle mass nesting, invasion of coastal area by Andhra trawlers, missile training and medical problems. These were the key factors responsible for economic condition of the fishermen. The liberalized policy of Government, especially in the banking sector, had favored fishermen to some extent. However, the socio-economic status of fisher folks can be improved if proper infrastructure such as fishing jetties, cold storage, modernized craft along with modern fishing gears are provided. Apart from these, organized marketing, finance and proper follow up of INCOIS disseminated PFZ advisories will further enhanced the Catch Per Unit Efforts (CPUE). K. C. Sahu, S.K. Baliarsingh ISSN:-2249-894X Socio-economic conditions of fisher folk vis-à-vis satellite technology in coastal district of ganjam, odisha RR 1 1 1 2 2 K. C. Sahu , S.K. Baliarsingh , S. Srichandan , Aneesh A. Lotliker , T. S. Kumar 1 Dept. of Marine Sciences, Berhampur University, Berhampur-760007 Orissa, India 2 Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Hyderabad-500055, India Vol.1,Issue.IV/Jan; 2012 ROR (2), regulated by sharing system. The processes of economic differentiation and accumulation of capital led to an economic stratification which was also reflected by the distribution of assets (craft and gear). To boost the economy of the fishing community in the country, Government of India, initiated a major programme to provide advisory on marine fishing grounds. The programme is called Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisory services. The PFZ programme was also categorized under “Common Minimum Programme” of Government of India. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information services (INCOIS), Hyderabad is the nodal agency for generation and dissemination of PFZ advisories. The advisories are disseminated through various modes including new generation electronic display board. INCOIS had installed an electronic display board at Gopalpur-on-Sea to provide timely and reliable PFZ advisories to increase the catch and minimize the search time. This electronic display board provides information on the PFZ off Ganjam coastal sector displaying distance, angle and location from three major points. Our present study aims to help the policy makers for implementing better management strategies. Methodology and Study area During the course of the fieldwork, several individuals, NGOs and State Fisheries Department (marine sector), Government of Orissa were consulted and feedback was collected during 2003-2005. The aim of the survey was to understand the background and socioeconomic condition of the fisher folk. The study area covers the entire Ganjam coast of southern Odisha having coastline of about 60 km (see Fig.1). The continental shelf off the region is narrow. The coastal sands of this region are famous for its rich rare earth minerals. Two major rivers, Rushikulya and Bahuda flowing in this coastal area form two larger estuaries along the coast. The northern part of the coast shows a favourable environment for breeding and mass nesting of Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtles. Socio-economic conditions of fisher folk vis-à-vis satellite.. Fig.1 showing different fish landing centers of study area. Results and Discussion: Socioeconomic status i) Population Ganjam, the coastal districts in the State of Orissa, has 3171 villages. The population of the district was 31, 36, 937 out of which fishermen population was 1, 31,192 as per census-2001. Table 1(a) depicts fishermen population along Ganjam coast in four blocks of which 25% of male were engaged in fishing. Table 1(b) shows 28 fishermen villages in the coastal area of this district. The fishermen population of these villages was about 37,700. The male and female ratio was 1.075. They were totally dependent on harvesting of the fishery resources. While men go for fishing, women were actively engaged in post-harvest fisheries and allied activities. ii) Fishing Activities The district has around 9500 hectares of fishing area along 60 km of coastline. The fishery activity was comprised of inland and marine sectors. The present study was restricted only to the marine sector. The livelihood activities of marine fishing community ranged from fish catch, processing, marketing and ancillary functions. iii) Assets of the Fishermen About 60% of fishermen did not have any productive assets. Some families do share their boats and nets. About 37% of the households were with single boat and 12% of households were having two boats or more. However, only 5% of households were having mechanized or motorized Review Of Research Table 1(a): Fishermen population along Ganjam coast (Source: Census Report, 2001; Assistant Director of Fisheries, Marine, Ganjam)