Objectives: To study fisheries profile of Chattisgarh, analyze fisheries development programmes implemented by Department of Fisheries (DoF) and to study profile of beneficiaries.
Methods/Statistical Analysis: Information was collected from secondary sources namely annual reports of DoF, its website and focus group discussions. Interview schedule was used to document profile of 120 beneficiary fish farmers from Raipur district. Reliability of interview schedule was tested and was found acceptable. Cronbach alpha was computed with a value of 0.83, thus establishing the tau-equivalent reliability as acceptable for a lower bound estimate of the reliability of interview schedule.
Findings: Chattisgarhhas 1.665 lakh ha water area available for development of fisheries. During 2015-16, number of fisheries development schemes have been undertaken by DoF and 3/4th of farmers reported that they benefitted from assistance for retail sale/net and boat/fish seed production scheme, 50 to 70% of farmers from departmental training programmes, assistance for fish seed rearing in seasonal ponds, grants to fishermen co-operatives societies, assistance for fingerling stocking and 20 to 30% benefitted from reservoir and river development scheme, out of state study tour programmes and polyculture/prawn culture/ornamental fish culture programmes. Majority (65%) of fish farmers had only fisheries as their occupation, 27% also had agriculture and others were engaged in business/service. Fisheries interventions were perceived to have high potential to promote fisheries activities and well-being of fish farmers. Not many studies have been done with reference to fisheries development programmes so this study adds to the body of knowledge.
Application/Improvements: Interventions done for fish farmers have shown positive results. More efforts are needed for the schemes which have less number of beneficiaries.