Traditional fishermen in low income trap — A case study in Thanjavur coast of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The technological changes and consequent improvement in fishing methods like the introduction of synthetic nets and motorisation of country crafts have considerably paved the way to reduce the stress and strain of traditional marine fishing and to a certain extent improved the living conditions of fishermen. The present investigation was carried out at Keechankuppam and Mallipattinan villages in Thanjavur coast of Tamil Nadu to study the socio-demographic status of fishermen pertaining to housing, literacy, family size and occupational pattern, to assess the ownership and level of investment of fishing equipments, to analyse the income and expenditure pattern of fishermen families and extent of indebtedness along with credit facilities available in the village and to find out the major constraints confronted by the fishermen inhibiting their socio-economic development and to suggest necessary remedial measures