Marine Fisheries Sector in Kerala, India: An Analysis of the Socio Economic and Feed Marketing Impact on the Farmers

Abstract

Fish has become an important part of diet for millions of people throughout the world especially in the coastal regions. It is estimated that human population is presently increasing at approximately 2 per cent a year. Kerala has 404 fishing villages and 222 landing centers. There are about 10.85 lakh marine fisher folk in the State of which, 2.2 lakh are active fishermen in the year 2004. The decline in numbers is due to many factors that affect the livelihood of the farmers. Exports of fishes from India have been showing a steadily increasing trend since 1980. The growth in motorisation and mechanisation of the crafts has contributed significantly to an increase in fish catches leading to increased volume of export of these items from our country. The high demand from foreign buyers, especially for prawns has resulted in an increase in exports, both in terms of volume and value. This study hence was conducted keeping in view the socio economic conditions of the marine fisheries farmer, the role played by marketing of feeds sector and it covered the entire state of Kerala. It is found that a distinct market advantage usually generates a greater profit potential for the firm. Studies conducted on marine fish marketing pointed out that transportation of fish is very inefficient in India. Due to inadequate transportation, no fresh fish is available in larger and needy markets located away from the landing centres, but at the same time surplus fish at harbours is being sent to fish meal plants. The secondary data reveals that in most of the poor countries, the physical conditions for fishery expansion was very low and the prevailing social, institutional and economic conditions prevented the better livelihood of farmers.