"Fishermen’s Socio-Economic Development in Saharsa District, Bihar: A Comparative Study"

Abstract

Fishery is one of the oldest and best options of livelihood for the people of Saharsa. As River koshi is in the vicinity of Saharsa, most of the people of village of Saharsa depend on fishery for their livelihood. Fishery is an economic source as it provides option for integrated farming, so along with fish villagers can also cultivate other crops. Fish is the main source of meal in these areas, whether there is an occasion or any festival they consider fish in their menu because it is fresh fish is easily available in near markets. Study shows that, the income from fish catching is a major source followed by land income, livestock income and other sources like salary, rent, and business of the fish workers. The study concludes that the entire fisherman’s expenditure largely spent on education of their children. This study aimed to evaluate the diversity of fish species and Socio-Economic status of fisherman community in the Kosi River at Saharsa, Bihar, using field surveys and taxonomic analysis. Fisheries sector is one of the promising subdivisions in the Agricultural sector of Bihar. The fishing sector is recognized as a major income and employment generator to the rural poor of the state as well as it stimulates development of a number of subsidiary industries. It is also a source of cheap and nutritious food with high caloric value and also a source of foreign exchange of country. Fisheries sector Contributes significantly to the Indian economy by providing livelihood to approximately 14.49 million people. India is the second largest fish producing nation in the world. But the socio-economic conditions of the fishermen in India are very low. They are lacking the culture of education, and live under improper housing conditions. They normally living in the narrow strip of land as crowded without proper sanitation facilities that lead to health issues among fishermen in Bihar.