Fish farmer livelihood in Hisar, Haryana: Understanding constraints and charting a sustainable future

Abstract

The study conducted in Hisar, Haryana, from September 15 to March 30, 2022, aimed to assess the livelihood status of fishermen in the region. Demographic analysis revealed that the majority of fishermen were aged between 36 to 50 years, predominantly from the general caste, and had completed secondary or senior secondary education. The sample primarily consisted of males, with a small representation of females. Regarding aquaculture experience, most respondents had been engaged in the practice for 5–10 years. Farm documentation was reported by about a third of respondents, with varying land sizes among them. The study identified and ranked constraints faced by fishery enterprises, with irregular water supply emerging as the foremost challenge, followed by fin diseases, marketing issues, un favorable fish prices, and transportation limitations. These findings underscore the critical hurdles hindering the development of fishery enterprises in the region. Addressing these challenges necessitates improvements in water supply infrastructure, effective disease management strategies, enhanced marketing approaches, pricing mechanisms, and transportation facilities. Addressing tarese constraints is vital for the sustainable growth and prosperity of the fisheries sector in Hisar, Haryana.