Introduction
Inland fishing refers to fishing activities carried out in freshwater bodies such as rivers, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and wetlands. It plays a vital role in providing nutrition, employment, and income to rural communities, particularly in landlocked regions. For women, inland fishing presents various economic opportunities, especially in small-scale and community-based setups. This essay highlights the role of inland fishing in women’s economic empowerment, along with real-world examples and challenges.
Why Inland Fishing Matters for Women
Inland fisheries offer several advantages for women, including:
- Proximity to Home: Fishing sites like village ponds or rivers are often near residential areas, allowing women to balance household duties with income-generating work.
- Low Capital Requirement: Small-scale inland fishing needs minimal investment, making it accessible to women with limited financial resources.
- Availability of Community Projects: Many government and NGO-led schemes promote community-based fish farming, often targeting women Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Opportunities for Women in Inland Fishing
1. Fish Farming (Aquaculture)
Women can manage small fish ponds individually or in groups. They are trained in stocking, feeding, disease control, and harvesting. This model is sustainable and profitable.
Example: In West Bengal, SHGs of women rear carp fish in village ponds, earning stable incomes and contributing to household food security.
2. Hatchery Management
Some women are trained in managing fish hatcheries, which involves breeding fish and supplying fingerlings to other fish farmers.
3. Fish Processing and Marketing
Post-harvest activities like drying, salting, smoking, and packaging of fish offer employment to women. Many also sell fish in local markets.
Example: In Odisha, women-run fish processing units produce dried and salted fish, which are sold in urban markets for profit.
4. Ornamental Fish Culture
This is a growing area in inland fishing, where women breed and sell ornamental fish like guppies and goldfish. It requires small space and is highly profitable.
Example: In Kerala, women entrepreneurs sell ornamental fish through online platforms and pet shops.
5. Integration with Other Livelihoods
Women integrate inland fishing with agriculture, duck rearing, or vegetable farming for enhanced income and food security.
Support Systems and Schemes
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Offers subsidies, training, and infrastructure support for fish farming.
- SHG Support: NABARD and other institutions fund SHGs for fishery-based activities.
- Skill Development: Fisheries departments conduct regular training for women in fish farming and hatchery management.
Challenges Faced by Women
- Lack of land or water body ownership
- Limited access to finance and equipment
- Social norms that restrict women’s mobility and decision-making
- Inadequate market access and price exploitation
Recommendations
- Provide land or water rights to women fish farmers
- Increase training and technical support
- Improve infrastructure like storage and transport facilities
- Encourage women’s cooperatives in inland fisheries
Conclusion
Inland fishing is an underutilized but promising avenue for women’s economic development. With proper support, training, and access to resources, women can transform inland fisheries into sustainable livelihoods. It not only empowers them financially but also contributes to rural development and food security. Empowering women in inland fishing is a step toward inclusive and gender-sensitive growth.