Evaluation of Fishermen Economy in Maharashtra and Gujarat - A case study

Abstract

Emphasis for the development of fisheries and the extent of resource allocation bas increased in each successive Five Year Plan and several welfare schemes for fishermen were launched. Removal of poverty and attainment of self reliance are given top priority in our national planning. la the fishery sector, adoption of technological innovations bas been encouraged and fishery infrastructure facilities have been enhanced by the Government, The increased pact of mechanization and step-in deep sea fishing have undoubtedly helped in boosting the production and export of marine products, and fishermen are given ban end subsidy under various schemes. Fishermen cooperatives are encouraged by the Government. Commercial banks arc also coming forward to extend liberal loans at reasonably low rate of interest. In s p i t e of all these efforts, the economic benefits of several development and welfare schemes are believed to have hen, mainly reaped by a few, and most of the fishermen are still in the grip of poverty. In this context, extensive studies about the socio-economic status of fishermen pertaining to different regions of the country will be immensely useful for future planning of developmental schemes.