by Sajid Raina
Fishermen communities in Kashmir continue to face low incomes, limited education, inadequate infrastructure and weak institutional support despite the region’s extensive aquatic resources, according to a review of existing research.
The review, titled “Socio-Economic Status of Fishermen Community in Kashmir: A Review”, examines the demographic characteristics, education, occupations, income patterns, housing conditions, gender participation, fish marketing systems and constraints faced by fishing households in the Valley.
It draws on previous studies, government reports and other published literature on fisheries and fishing communities in Kashmir.
A study of the fishing community around Dal Lake, cited in the review, found that 65.6 per cent of 180 respondents earned less than Rs 15,000 a month from fishing, while the average monthly household income was Rs 13,393.
The study collected data through structured interviews from fishermen in three villages located on the periphery of Dal Lake.
It found that 63.3 per cent of the respondents were in the 35-59 age group, while men accounted for 88.9 per cent and 97.8 per cent were married.
Educational attainment was particularly low, with 78.9 per cent of respondents having no formal literacy, according to the study. About 56.7 per cent lived in nuclear families with fewer than four members.
The study also found that 96.7 per cent of respondents owned their boats, while cast nets were the dominant fishing gear used in Dal Lake.
The authors of that study concluded that the fishing community was living on the margins and receiving limited attention from government and development agencies. They recommended coordinated measures by the fisheries, tourism and agriculture departments to strengthen fishermen’s livelihoods through consultation with the community.
The new review said fishing remains a traditional occupation for many families living around Kashmir’s major lakes, rivers and wetlands, particularly Wular Lake, Dal Lake and the River Jhelum.
It cited more than 12,000 registered fishermen around Wular Lake, while the number of registered fishermen associated with Dal Lake has been reported at between 939 and 1,500 in different sources. The review, however, noted that the actual number of active fishermen remains uncertain because comprehensive and updated official records are unavailable.
Many fishing households supplement their income through agriculture, horticulture, livestock rearing, wage labour, handicrafts and the harvesting of aquatic resources.
The review said declining fish catches associated in previous studies with habitat degradation, pollution, overexploitation and environmental changes have added to livelihood insecurity.
Fish marketing also remains largely traditional and unorganised. The most common channel involves fishermen selling their catch to middlemen, who then supply retailers and consumers, reducing the share received by fishermen.
Women contribute substantially to fish sorting, cleaning, processing, preservation and marketing, but face limited access to credit, training, extension services and decision-making opportunities.
The review identified environmental degradation, encroachment, siltation, domestic sewage and agricultural runoff as major pressures on fish habitats and aquatic biodiversity.
It recommended sustainable fisheries management, restoration of degraded water bodies, improved sewage treatment, livelihood diversification, better access to institutional credit and stronger educational and vocational support for fishing communities.
It also called for improved fish markets, cold-storage facilities, transportation, extension services and greater participation of fishermen in decisions affecting their livelihoods.
