Constraints faced by the fisherwomen involved in post-harvest activities of marine fisheries in Bapatla district of Andhra Pradesh

Introduction

Fisheries are recognized as the "sunrise" sector of the Indian economy. According to the Department of Fisheries (DoF) in 2022, approximately 28 million individuals, both directly and indirectly, participate in the sector's activities, encompassing both marine and inland sectors. Notably, 44.00 percent of these individuals are women. Did you know that nearly half of the 4.9 million marine fisherfolk are women? Out of the 23 million inland fisherfolk, 44.00 percent happen to be women. It's interesting to note that women play a significant role in post-harvest activities such as curing (drying), peeling of prawn, processing, and working as laborers. A significant majority of the fisherfolk engaged in curing/processing and prawn peeling are women, with 90.00 per cent and 95.00 per cent respectively. Most of the vendors who travel from one place to another to sell their fish are typically women. They buy the fish directly at auctions held at wholesale markets or landing centers. They go around selling fish by walking from door to door, with fish piled on their heads. However, their contribution often goes unnoticed and they are currently encountering numerous obstacles. This study aims to shed light on the challenges that fisherwomen encounter in marine fisheries.

Methodology

The study was conducted in Bapatla district of Andhra Pradesh during the year 2023-24. Nizampatnam and Repalle taluks were selected through purposive random sampling method as majority of the fisherwomen from these taluks were involved in marine fisheries. A total of 120 respondents (from Nizampatnam 60 respondents and from Repalle 60 respondents) were selected. Pretested interview schedule was used to collect the data and analysed data by using garrets ranking.

Results and Discussion

Results from the table 1 revealed constraints faced by fisherwomen participating in marine fisheries in Bapatla district of Andhra Pradesh. The constraints are categorized into three main sections: General constraints, employment related constraints and marketing related constraints. The substantial debt loads of fishermen point to a lack of security and consistency in their finances, which makes it difficult for them to invest in their enterprises, pay their bills on time, and grow economically. Alcohol addiction among fishermen has unfortunately resulted in increased debt and reduced income for the families of fisherwomen. According to the fishing community, it is not seen as necessary for fisherwomen in the study area to be literate. On the contrary, they frequently engage their children in fishing and related tasks at a young age. They think this might help them meet their family's financial needs. Nowadays, there has been a shift in this trend, and some fishermen are now willing to send their children to school for a better education. Fisherwomen often face health problems due to the physical demands of their work. They frequently find themselves in squatting or bending postures while engaging in activities like drying, grading, cleaning, and cutting. These repetitive movements can lead to significant health concerns, including joint pain, back pain, and overall body discomfort. It's quite interesting to see how women who sell fish go around from house to house, effortlessly balancing heavy loads on their heads. "I sometimes get headaches, leg pains, and feel tired and achy all over, especially on sunny days," shared the fisherwoman. When traveling distances of 20 to 30 km, it's possible that bus drivers might refuse passengers if they notice a strong fish odor. Opting for private vehicles can also be quite expensive. One of the most significant problems faced by fisherwomen in marine fisheries is the low wages they receive for their labor. Despite their contribution in tasks such as fish sorting, drying, processing, and selling, fisherwomen often receive a fraction of the income generated from the fishing industry. This wage disparity arises from several factors like lack of bargaining power, market volatility-the fishing industry is highly dependent on market prices, which fluctuate due to factors such as catch size, demand, and export rates. Fisherwomen are often the last to benefit from any financial gains, especially in artisanal fisheries. Long working hours is one of the major constraint fisherwomen are known to work exceptionally long hours, particularly in post-harvest activities such as fish processing, handling, and selling. Their work is often physically demanding and extends beyond the typical working day. In addition to their work in fisheries, fisherwomen are often responsible for household duties such as cooking, cleaning, and child-rearing, creating a "double burden" of labor. Activities like sorting and cleaning fish are time-consuming and manual, requiring long hours of standing or repetitive movements, which can lead to exhaustion and health issues. Informal Work Structures: Since much of the labor in marine fisheries is informal, there are no set working hours, meaning fisherwomen may have to work well beyond standard limits to meet their daily needs. Fishermen and women are dealing with the constant struggle of fluctuating fish prices, which adds an extra layer of uncertainty to their earnings and financial management. Fluctuations in prices can have a significant impact on profits, potentially leading to reduced earnings and financial setbacks. Uncertainty can sometimes result in restricted access to credit and loans. Some women have been expressing their concerns regarding the limited storage and preservation options available at the community level, along with the insufficient infrastructure facilities. Fish doesn't stay fresh for very long. During the rainy season, the dried fish may become moist if it is not stored properly. It's important to note that wet fish is not ideal for eating as it can lead to the fish going bad. We need to address the issue of inadequate facilities for storing, processing, and accessing clean water and ice, as well as proper waste disposal measures. Having facilities like these is really important because they help ensure that fish are handled properly, which is good for the health and well-being of both vendors and consumers. The results of Dhamodharan and Raveendran (2022) [1] , Salim (2013) [5] , Rashdi and Mclean (2014) [4] , Vipinkumar and Asokan (2014) [6] , Jayaraman (2017) [3] , and Farooqi et al. (2018) [2] were similar to the results presented in the study.

Conclusion

The fisherwomen of Bapatla district in Andhra Pradesh are crucial contributors to the post-harvest sector of marine fisheries, yet they face multiple challenges that limit their economic advancement and well-being. High debt, gender discrimination, health issues, and inadequate infrastructure hinder their productivity and quality of life. Addressing these constraints through policy interventions, infrastructure development, and social support programs is essential. By ensuring better working conditions, fair wages, and improved market access, these women can achieve greater economic stability, contributing more effectively to both their households and the broader fisheries sector. Empowering fisherwomen is not just a matter of gender equity but also a critical step toward the sustainable development of marine fisheries in the region.

References

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