Production and export of marine fishery in Odisha

Abstract

This is an attempt as a brief and factual presentation on the marine fisheries sectors of Odisha and Govt. policy towards the sector. The study is based on secondary data collected from sources like the Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Odisha and Marine Fisheries Census complied by CMFRI, the Hand Book of Fisheries Statistics, etc. This study shows that Marine fish production has recorded a sluggish growth in recent years and export of marine product is almost stagnant, far less than the export potential. The fishers lacked cold storage, processing and packaging facilities as well as transportation arrangements to reach other markets, which adversely affected value addition to the catches. The existing infrastructure of three fishing harbors and seven fishing jetties are not sufficient to accommodate all the mechanized boats of the state. In order to increase production and condition of fishers, an efficient management structure, fair procurement practices and suitable infrastructural arrangement need to be developed. This calls for sustained assistance from the govt. as well as other stakeholders.