Women constitute nearly half of India’s small-scale fisheries workforce that feeds millions and sustains livelihoods across coastal and inland communities, according to a global study. 

A total of 4.8 million women engage in small-scale fisheries in the country, accounting for four out of every ten people involved in the sector. Their contributions spread across the value chain, including 27% in pre-harvest such as net-making and boat operation, 18% in harvesting and a significant 55% in post-harvest handling, processing and trade, revealed the study by Global Illuminating Hidden Harvests (IHH) of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. IHH provides snapshot of the contributions of small-scale fisheries (SSF) to sustainable development. 

The study was discussed at the three-day regional meeting of Bay of Bengal rim countries jointly organised by the FAO and the Bay of the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) in Chennai. 

Women’s work ensures that the sector not only delivers nutrition but also supports family incomes and local economies. The study estimates that India’s small-scale fisheries generate USD 2.3 billion annually from first sales of catch, with women central to processing and marketing fish that reaches consumers.

Beyond livelihoods, women’s involvement is also critical to nutrition security. The report highlights that SSF landings could meet 20% of the recommended dietary intake of six key nutrients (including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, iron, and zinc) for nearly 79 million people in India.

While discussing the report at the meet, experts warned that women’s contributions remain undervalued in policies and governance frameworks. 

The meet was aimed at preparing National Plans of Action (NPOA) for small-scale fisheries, with particular emphasis on enhancing women’s visibility and empowerment. 

Presenting India’s country report at the meet, Deputy Fisheries Commissioner, Sanjay Pandey said that inland fisheries continue to surge while the country’s marine fish production witness a stagnation. Amid mounting challenges such as habitat loss, pollution and dwindling fish catch, the government introduced a range of measures to empower SSF communities. These include establishment of 117 fishing harbours and landing centres with modern facilities, installation of 937 artificial reefs, creation of 100 climate-smart coastal fishing villages, social safety nets covering 600,000 families among others, India’s status report said.
BOBP-IGO is a Regional Fisheries Advisory Body (RFAB) of the countries bordering the Bay of Bengal region, Bangladesh, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka. It serves as the think tank on transboundary and contemporary national issues of the member countries concerning fisheries management.

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(Release ID: 2168771)