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STATUS OF FISHERWOMEN CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN RATNAGIRI
DISTRICT
S. A. Mohite
College of Fisheries, Shirgaon,
Ratnagiri – 415 629 (M.S.), India
E-mail: sa_mohite@yahoo.co.in
ABSTRACT
Marketing is one of the important aspects in fisheries, which is basically looked after
by the fisherwomen. The responsibility of sorting, selling and curing the fish is shouldered
by the fisherwomen. But still this marketing is not organized, as there is no proper
marketing policy or price structure or proper marketing outlets. There are many
middlemen involved in the marketing of fish and they share most of the profits. In recent
years, co-operative societies are being established in this belt. The co-operative movement
is taking shape in Konkan coastal zone very slowly.
At present, there are 83 co-operative societies in fishery sector in Ratnagiri district.
Out of these, only seven are fisherwomen co-operative societies. Considering the total
number of co-operative societies in this sector, the percentage of fisherwomen co-
operative societies is very negligible. The case studies of some of these societies are
highlighted in the said paper.
Keywords:- fisherwomen co-operative society, marketing channels, Government
schemes
STATUS OF FISHERWOMEN CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN RATNAGIRI
DISTRICT
S. A. Mohite
College of Fisheries, Shirgaon,
Ratnagiri – 415 629 (M.S.), India
E-mail: sa_mohite@yahoo.co.in
Fishery Industry and fisherwomen: -
Fisheries sector plays an important role in the economy of Maharashtra state by
contributing toward export, food, nutritional security and employment generation in the
coastal and inland areas. The fishery production has shown 29% growth from 4.14 lakh
tones in 1990-91 to 2001-02. The export from fish and fisheries products has registered
509% growth in terms of value and 293% in terms of quantity with export earning of Rs.
6608.10 million in 1999-2000. In year 2000-01 the export increased to 8914.20%. Due to
vast natural resources, the state stands 3
rd
in marine production and 6
th
in the inland
production in the country.
Ratnagiri district has 167 Km of the coastal area offers a great wealth in the form
of marine resources. The district has 6,600sq.m of continental shelf area, which is rich in
marine resources. The potential fishing region upto 40 fathoms is 2910 sq.km. and from
40-100 fathoms the area available is 3690 sq.km. There are 99 fishing villages spread
along the coastal plains. The district has 11 major and 37 minor landing centers. The total
number of fisher households is 9488 families with the male population of 13,541 and
female population of 14,335. The major marine catch comprises of mackerel, pomfrets,
seerfish, ribbonfish, shrimps, lobsters, mussles, clams, oysters etc. About 44% of the total
catch also constitute low price species like dhoma, pink perch, siganus etc. the average
annual production in 2000-01 is 96,644 m tons with the value of Rs. 98 crores. (Source:
1997 census of fishermen boats and nets, FSI)The increasing productions in both marine
and inland resources have offered an excellent opportunity for the upliftment of the coastal
fisher communities.
According to Kohli et al. (1999), the participation of women in fisheries activities in the
coastal states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh
generally involves fish drying, fish processing, fish loading and unloading, retail
marketing and net mending. Marketing is one of the important aspects in fisheries, which
are basically looked after by the fisherwomen. It is a known fact that, though the fishing is
done mostly by the fishermen, the responsibility of sorting and selling the fish is
shouldered by the fisherwomen. This starts at the landing center itself where the fish is
sorted according to the quality, commercial value etc. The catch is assorted sizewise and
valuewise and iced. Most of the catch having higher commercial value is sold to the
suppliers of export houses through auctions. But the remaining catch is sold either in fresh
condition at local fish markets, weekly markets in small towns or rural areas; fish stalls
near railway stations or other transport facilities or as dry fish after salting and drying. But
still this marketing is not organized, as there is no proper marketing policy or price
structure or proper marketing outlets.
Marketing of fish involves following aspects:
1. Channels of marketing
2. Cost of marketing, market margins and price spread
3. Price variation
4. Transport, storage etc.
Channels:
Marketing channels are the trade channels or the distribution paths through which the fish
is transferred from the point of landing till it reaches the consumers. The channels of
distribution and other aspects of fish marketing vary widely from state to state.
Following channels were identified on Ratnagiri coast.
I) Fisherman -- Consumers
II) Fisherman – Retailer -- Consumer
III) Fisherman – Wholesaler – Retailer -- Consumer
IV) Fisherman – Auctioneer – Wholesaler – Retailer – Consumer
V) Fisherman – Auctioneer – Wholesaler – Retailer – Vendor – Consumer
VI) Fisherman – Auctioneer – Commission agent
Purchase – Wholesaler – Commission agents
Sales – Retailer – Consumer
In Konkan coastal zone the fisherwomen are involved in fisheries activities such as :
1. Sorting of the fish
2. Icing and selling it in local markets.
3. Sending the fish to processing factories.
4. Door to door selling of fish
5. Salting and sun drying of the fish
6. Mending the nets during non-fishing season.
Most of the selling of fish is done by the fisherwomen (Table 1). For the country as a
whole, women’s involvement in fisheries is 255 as labour force in pre-harvest activities,
60% in export marketing and 40% in internal marketing (Sathiadhas R. and Birader R.S.,
2003). But there are many middlemen involved in the marketing of fish and they share
most of the profits. There is no intermediary in Channel I but in subsequent channels
middlemen increased from one to five. Existence of number intermediaries indicated
unorganised nature of the marketing system, which reduces the share of fishermen in
consumer’s price. Number of middlemen has negative contribution to fisherwomen’s net
share. Consequently marketing margins have contribution ranging from 48% to 79% in
discriminating fisherwomen’s net share. Marketing costs have no much discriminative
effect. Similarly, distance between landing point and consumers place has no much
discriminating effect as longer distance markets create wider market and helps to earn
higher prices.
Table 1. Fisherwomen involved in the marketing of fish
Particulars Name of
the district
No. of
fisherwomen
Total
fisher
population
Fisherwomen
involved in
marketing
1 2 3 4 5
Urban
Marine
Thane 9,322 31,878 4,326
Mumbai 10,134 30,937 6,865
Raigarh 2,366 7,210 1,208
Ratnagiri 3,444 10,912 1,681
Sidhudurga 921 2,829 455
Total 26,187 83,766 14,535
Rural
Marine
Thane 13,212 43,837 4,594
Mumbai - - -
Raigarh 10,771 34,989 4,832
Ratnagiri 14,048 44,187 8,300
Sidhudurga 6,103 18,678 3,188
Total 44,134 141,691 20,914
Urban
Estuarine
Thane 550 1,712 255
Mumbai 1,437 4,756 1,149
Raigarh 559 1,726 257
Ratnagiri - - -
Sidhudurga - - -
Total 2,546 8,194 1,661
Rural
Estuarine
Thane 2,168 7,343 843
Mumbai - - -
Raigarh 5,060 17,663 1,799
Ratnagiri 831 2,637 419
Sidhudurga 361 1,079 189
Total 8,420 28,722 3,250
In recent years, co-operative societies are being established in this belt. The co-
operatives have made arrangements for marketing of the fishes, involving
fisherwomen in Konkan coastal zone and trying to save the members from the
exploitation from the intermediaries to a sizable extent.
Co-operative movement and fishery sector :
At present, there are 83 co-operative societies in fishery sector in Ratnagiri district.
Out of these, only seven are fisherwomen co-operative societies (Table 2).
Considering the total number of co-operative societies in this sector, the percentage of
fisherwomen co-operative societies is very negligible.
Almost all of the women from the fisher families are actively involved in the
fishery occupation. But fisherwomen are not well represented in the executive
committees of the co-operative societies and the do not represent leadership position
within most of the co-operatives studied.
The following table shows the present status of the co-operative societies in Ratnagiri
district.
Table 2. : Status of the co-operative societies in Ratnagiri District
Sr. No. Taluka Co-Op. Societies in
Working Condition
Co-Op. Societies
closed or in
liquidation
Total
1 Ratnagiri 34+1 Zilla Sangh - 34+1
2 Lanja 2 - 2
3 Sangameshwar 1 - 1
4 Chiplun 3 - 3
5 Khed - - -
6 Guhagar 12 3 15
7 Dapoli 18 1 19
8 Mandangadh 1 1 2
9 Rajapur 7 - 7
Total 83+1
The seven listed fisherwomen co-operative societies of Ratnagiri district are as
follows:
1) Mirkarwada Mahila Macchivyavasaikanchi Seva Sahakari Sanstha
Maryadit, Mirkarwada, Ratnagiri.
2) Rajiwada mahila macchimar Sahakari Society, Rajiwada, Ratnagiri
3) Shramik mahila macchimar Sahakari Society, Tulsunde, Tal.Rajapur.
4) Sakhrinate Mahila Macchivyavasaik Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit, Nate, Tal.
Rajapur.
5) Mahila Macchivyavasaik Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit, Burondi, Tal. Dapoli.
6) Saraswati Mahila Macchimar Sahakari Society, Bhati, Tal. Dapoli
7) Hanuman Mahila Macchivyavasaik Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit, Katale Padave,
Tal. Guhagar.
Though most of these societies are started recently, three of the societies viz.
Mirkarwada Mahila Macchivyavasaikanchi Seva Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit Mirkarwada,
Ratnagiri, Mahila Macchivyavasaik Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit, Burondi, tal. Dapoli and
Sakhrinate Mahila Macchivyavasaik Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit, Nate, Tal. Rajapur were
stared very early. These three societies were selected for the study. The information
collected from these societies is as follows.
1. Mirkarwada Mahila Macchivyavasaikanchi Seva Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit,
Mirkarwada, Ratnagiri:
This society was started in 1975 mainly for the distribution and sell of fresh and dried
fish in the nearby weekly markets. There are 175 women members in this society. The
total percentage of the registered members in comparison to total fisherwomen in the
village is 30-40. The criteria for the membership is based on the quota distribution to
various weekly markets such as Lanja, Vandri, on Tuesdays; Kadwai, Vahal, Nairi,
Pachal, Pali, Sangameshwar on Wednesday etc.
The society had two trucks and two buses, which were used for taking the fish and the
members to the weekly markets nearby Ratnagiri such as Chiplun, Sakharpa, and
Sangameshwar etc. At the time of data collection, the co-operative society was not having
its own office building. But the share capital collected was Rs. 79,590/-. The cost of each
share is Rs. 10/-. The minimum and maximum share holding capacity depends on the
distance of the market from Ratnagiri. E.g. Devrukh- Rs. 400/- i.e. 40 shares. The income
is only through the charges paid by the members for transportation, the amount of which
depends on the distance traveled.
Assets owned by the co-op. society: -
a) Office building: nil
b) Transport facilities: - 2 trucks and 2 buses
c) Fish curing yard: - one small platform
d) Boats: - not directly owned by the society but by the husbands of the members (mainly
trawlers).
Facilities extended by the society to the members: -
Transport was organized by the society to carry fish to various markets and transportation
of fisherwomen to these markets. Other facilities like loan, subsidy etc. were not availed
by the members. No government scheme was availed by the members so far. The society
has not undertaken any extension programs.
The fisherwomen carry the fish from their own boats or buy the fish in auction on the
fishing jetty at Mirkarwada, Ratnagiri and carry it to the markets as per the day of the
weekly market at nearby villages. Most of the members are illiterate and there is no
change in the standard of living of these members. Due to this the governmental scheme
are also having any impact on them, as they are unaware about them. The society had
planned to build a fish-curing yard and as ice factory and the documentation for this was
also completed but there was some problem in procuring a proper place for the fish-curing
yard.
Problems faced by the society: -
As this co-op. Society was looking after only the transportation, no diversification was
done in recent years as per the need of the market. The marketing aspect is also not taken
care of. At present the society is not working, as it was earlier. Secondly the transportation
was used only 3 days of the week depending on the weekly markets. Due this the society
was on the verge of liquidation. But now the society has again started its working.
Remarks:-
The society has limited membership and its activities are restricted only to the sale of fish
with its own transportation system, which brings in limited financial benefits. Also the
members appear to refuse to avail any of the government schemes. The only assets of the
society are the transport vehicles and a small curing platform. Of these, the transport is
used only for three days / week and is idle during the rest of the week.
The members sell dry fish during rainy season but no diversification of the fish products is
taken up yet.
This co-op. Society was considered as the trendsetter in the Konkan coastal zone.
Though this society had suffered some set backs, it has resumed its activities.
2. Sakhrinate Mahila Macchivyavasaik Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit, Nate, Tal.
Rajapur.
This co-op. Society was started in 1987 mainly for the sell of fresh and dried fish locally.
There are 150 fisherwomen members. This society works in Sakharinate, Tulsunde,
Sagawe and Engalewadi.
Assets owned by the co-op. society: -
a) Office building: nil
b) Transport facilities: - 1 truck
c) Fish curing yard: - nil
d) Boats: - not directly owned by the society but by the husbands of the members (mainly
trawlers).
Facilities extended by the society to the members: -
The society helps in transportation of the fish but since it has only one truck, it is
inadequate for catering to needs of all the members.
The society also does not have any curing yard facility and there is no ice factory
nearby. This adds to the inconvenience to the marketing of fish.
Remarks:-
This co-op. Society is also involved only in the transportation of the fish. Hence there is
no diversification of the activity. Though the membership is strong, the society is not
benefiting.
As such the society is working but still it is lagging behind in making the profits and
the much needed diversification.
3. Mahila Macchivyavasaik Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit, Burondi, Tal. Dapoli
This co-op. Society is started in 1988 with 99 fisherwomen as members. Out of the total
number of fisherwomen in the village, 25% fisherwomen have become the members. In
the first year, the society extended help in transportation of the fish to local markets.
Assets owned by the co-op. society: -
a) Office building: nil
b) Transport facilities: - nil
c) Fish curing yard: - nil
d) Boats: - not directly owned by the society but by the husbands of the members (mainly
trawlers).
Facilities extended by the society to the members: -
Earlier the transportation was provided to the members. But since the society does not own
any transport vehicle, the provision is discontinued. No other facility is provided by the
society.
Remarks:-
This society is not working as it was expected. The members are unaware of the
governmental schemes and they also don’t get the response from all the members.
As a result, this society is non functional and liquidated. The members are not ready
to revive the society.
Problems faced by the fisherwomen co-operative societies:-
The three fisherwomen co-operative societies studied have been established mainly
for the transportation of the fish to local markets. Due to this only one aim, the other
problems related to these women were overlooked. They are as follows:
a) Non-availability of the curing yard to process the remaining fishes.
b) Non-availability of timely supply of ice.
c) Enough vehicles for transportation.
d) Efforts to educate the illiterate members.
e) Child development schemes for the members.
f) Provision of ration shops, grinding mills etc for the members.
g) Extension programs to provide information about the govt. schemes to the members.
Most of the fisherwomen take to this occupation to earn for their families. The co-
operative society should start some schemes keeping in mind, the need of such schemes to
them. This will also help to create a faith and sense of belonging in the minds of the
members of the society. Then only the members will come forward to take interest in the
working of the society. Otherwise, the co-operative movement will stop before taking
shape in its early stage itself.
Fisherwomen and the government scheme:-
The other co-operative societies are started recently and yet to show their
performance in terms of profits. But there seems to be a lacuna in the field of marketing
strategies, diversification of the products and the proper understanding of the
governmental schemes directed towards the betterment of the fisherwomen. Most of the
members still do not know about the financing schemes such as by NCDC, which provides
finance for marketing.
Central And State Governments Sponsored Programmes: -
The Central government has come with a scheme for the production of Fish products
such as fish wafers, fish pickles etc. Under this scheme, 50% subsidy will be provided for
the private agencies and women’s groups. Other government schemes are enlisted below.
1) Prime Minister’s Rozgar Yojana (PMRY)
2) Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY)
3) Rural Employment Generation Programme
4) District Rural Industrial Project (DRIP)
5) Support to Training and Employment Programme (STEP)
6) Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA)
Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY):- Government has introduced this
scheme for people below poverty line, which can be used to the benefit of the
fisherwomen groups. Women's development programme of " Development of Women and
Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA) has also been merged in SGSY. About 40% of the
beneficiaries under SGSY are earmarked for women and fisherwomen are covered under
the programme in the state. At present this scheme is introduced in Purnagadh, Varavde
and Jambhari talukas in Ratnagiri districts. 50% subsidy on assets is provided to the
bachatgat of atleast 10 women. Under this scheme, there are 2 groups that have been
established in Purnagadh and they have been provided with 2 boats. The ‘mahila bachat
group’ at Varavde has been provided with cooler boxes to store fresh fish under the same
scheme.
Though this scheme is introduced keeping in mind the women under poverty line, very
few groups have availed this scheme so far.
Other activities that can be run on co-operative basis:-
It has been observed that the fisherwomen are still engaged in the limited areas of this
industry. They are involved in procuring the fish, sorting, selling and also to some extent,
processing it i.e. salting, smoking and sun drying the fish during the fishing season. But
when there is ban on fishing in the monsoon season, a small quantity of fish is available
from inshore areas or from rivers, streams etc. During this period, the income of the
fisherwomen is very negligible and they have to suffer from the low income. At such time,
they can make nutritious and long lasting fish products such as fish papad, fish wafers, fish
chakali, fish shev and fish pickles etc. on co-operative basis. The training to make such
products can be availed from agencies such as College of Fisheries, Ratnagiri, and
MPEDA etc that have developed the proper technology for making such products. In
Ratnagiri district itself, trainings for the fisherwomen are organized by the College of
Fisheries, Ratnagiri at villages such as Hatis, Tondade, Kasarveli, and Sakhartar etc. Many
fisherwomen are coming forward to undertake this training. But still no women’s group
has undertaken this production on co-operative basis. The fisherwomen co-operative
societies working in Ratnagiri district also have not taken up this activity yet.
A few bachat groups, especially in Dapoli taluka, have started packing the dry fish in
polythene packs so as to make them attractive and hygienic and selling them in nearby
areas. This activity can also be taken up by the co-operative societies. Packaging the
product in proper and attractive manner is the first step in marketing and the awareness
about this has to be created in the fisherwomen.
Interventions suggested:
Credit facilities should be made available, taking into consideration the actual
needs of the fisherwomen.
Budgetary allocation be planned for establishing the various activities and services
right from fish landing to marketing in the coastal regions, giving importance to
the involvement of the fisherwomen.
Involvement of the fisherwomen in the marketing activities must be recognized
and must be given importance.
Co-operative societies must incorporate the women members actively in the
running of the society.
While designing a programme or policy, the fisherwomen must be given equal
rights and opportunities to participate and express their needs, which in turn will
help in proper formulation of the programme or policy.
Extension programmes should be made in such a manner so as to reach the
fisherwomen and their co-operatives to help them understand the various schemes
and policies, which is lacking currently.
Interaction with the NGOs and SHGs that have performed successfully in other
coastal regions should be arranged so that the local NGOs can bring about a
change in their working pattern to benefit the fisherwomen.
Formation of fisherwomen co-operatives and SHGs be encouraged.
Linkage between the fisherwomen co-operative societies and the research institute
should be created, whereby the technology transfer such as value added product
preparation can be done.
Conclusion: -
Though the fisherwomen co-operative societies are basically established for the
betterment of the members, it has been observed that they are only engaged in the
transportation of the fish to the various local and weekly markets. These societies are
facing various problems though they have a good membership. The central and state
governments have come up with various schemes but they have yet to percolate down to
the members of these societies. At the same time, the members are still not aware about
the tremendous demand to the value added and nutritious fish products. A proper
marketing strategy is the urgent need of the fishery industry today.
Women are major suppliers and vendors of fish in local markets. Some women have
established themselves as important fish entrepreneurs in some areas, but the number is
very negligible. But the fisherwomen's distribution and marketing ensure low cost services
for consumers (Kohli and Dube, 2003). This helps to maintain low prices of the fish for
the local consumers. But these women are dominant in retail rather than wholesale fish
trade. This has been attributed to lack of financing for women and the lesser mobility of
women traders. The co-operative societies have tried to help the member fisherwomen to
reach to distant consumers to some extent. This has helped the fisherwomen to form a
more sophisticated fish distribution system and marketing systems. But diversification of
the trade in the form of value added product preparation and utilization of low-cost fish
species is needed urgently.
The co-operative movement has seen golden results in fields like dairy, agriculture but
the very essence of this movement has not yet reached to its fullest in the field of fishery.
Hence the societies established so far, are seem to be grouping in the dark. There is an
urgent need to think about the aims decided and the goals to be achieved. The co-operative
sector is still open and looking for a golden leap in future.
References:
1. Anon (2002-03), Progress of SHG- Bank linkage in India-2002-02, NABARD,
HO, Mumbai, India.
2. Kohli, M.P.S., K. Sunita and K.Meithileima, 1999. Extent of participation of
women in Indian fisheries sector. Indian Soc.Fish.Prof.,1(1): 5-6.
3. Kohli, M.P.S., and Dube, K. 2003. Women in fisheries: An Indian Scenario, In
proceedings of National workshop on Best practices in micro-finance programs
in support of women in coastal fishing communities and poverty alleviation (1-
4 July, 2003)
4. Krishna S., 1987. Role of women in small-scale fisheries - a case study.
Mar.Fish.Info. Serv. T 7 E Ser., No. 72: 12-17
5. Sathiadhas R. and Birader R.S. ()2003), Fisheries in the development of Indian
Economy, Workshop on Marketing of Fish and Fisheries Products (25-28
February 2003), Vaikunth Mehta, National Institute of Cooperative
Management, Pune, India p.p. 137-160.
6. Mehta, G.S., Women in coastal fishing communities and poverty alleviation
through micro-credit in Maharashtra., In proceedings of National workshop on
Best practices in micro-finance programs in support of women in coastal
fishing communities and poverty alleviation (1-4 July, 2003)
7. Mohite S.A. and S. Shenoy. 2002, In proceedings of Women in Fisheries
Conference, Dec 11-12,2001 by Indian Society of Fisheries Professionals;
Mumbai, India, p-128.
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* College of Fisheries, Shirgaon, Ratnagiri
E-Mail: sa_mohite@yahoo.com