Distribution of fishing gear materials and aquaculture inputs under SCSP programme to traditional fishermen of Jaigad estuary, Ratnagiri

ICAR – Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Old Goa, Goa is involved in fishermen welfare projects funded by Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi to make a change in the livelihood of coastal fishermen of the country. In this connection, the Institute has organized SCSP programme for the welfare of traditional fishermen of Maharashtra settled along the Jaigad estuary, Ratnagiri. Jaigad is a small fishing village and a natural harbor at the mouth of the Shastri River in the Ratnagiri District. Fish catch from this estuary declined drastically for the past years, and fishermen claimed severe decline in estuarine fish types and catch. These conditions severely impact their subsistence, income and livelihood. Estuarine fish assemblages are disappearing, shrimps are becoming rare in the catch and thus, the species composition has changed significantly. Therefore, the fishermen are in search of alternate livelihood options. In this background, to support fishermen of the estuary, a programme on “Distribution of fishing gears and aquaculture inputs” was organized by the institute at Jaigad village on 7^th march, 2021. Fishing gear (different types of gillnets) materials and aquaculture inputs like feed, probiotics and medicines were distributed among the fishermen (members of Saksham Self Help Group) of Jaigad.

Mr. Trivesh Suresh Mayekar, Scientist (Fish Genetics and Breeding), ICAR-CCARI briefed about the research and extension activities of the institute. He mentioned about the SCSP programme of Govt. of India and how the fishermen and farmers can be benefitted through this project. While inaugurating the distribution of materials, Mr. Vaibhav Jadhav, head of the self-help group appreciated the efforts of the institute for improving the livelihood of fishermen and farmers through their research and extension services. Traditional fishermen of the village welcomed the great initiative and ensured the complete co-operation in research, training and extension activities of the institute. Mr. Jadhav proposed vote of thanks during the occasion and urged full support from the development departments and research organizations such as ICAR-CCARI for the conservation and augmentation of fishery in Jaigad estuary. Mr. Trivesh Mayekar, Scientist, ICAR-CCARI coordinated the distribution programme and assured full support from the institute to improve the livelihood of traditional fishermen of the estuary.