The study on Socio-economic Status of Fisherwomen in Udupi …xajzkjdx.cn/gallery/48-may2020.pdf ·...

The study on Socio-economic Status of Fisherwomen in Udupi

District

Dr. Ashalatha1

Prof. S. Saravanan2

1Professor, Justice K S Hegde Institute of Management, Nitte 2Assistant Professor, Justice K S Hegde Institute of Management, Nitte

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine the social and economic status of the fisherwomen residing in

Udupi District. Major focus was to record the income level and various purpose expenditure and modes of savings.

It is helpful to determine the economic stability and to check on the awareness regarding the habits of saving. In

aggregate, one hundred respondents were personally interviewed. It helped to get clear picture of what is the current

status of the fisherwomen and where they are heading to in the future. Majority of the members have joined the

fisherwomen association to earn respect in the society, moral and financial assistance and support. They face several

issues like lack of transportation and storage facilities

Key Words: Socio-economic, Fisherwomen, Udupi District, alternate income, savings

Introduction:

Fishing is termed to be one of the primary and oldest means of livelihood. Marine industry is a vital segment of a

nation’s economy as it generates large employment opportunities, trade flows and foreign exchange. Additionally,

fisheries sector also stimulates the growth of number of subsidiary industries. Fish is known to be a nutritious food

giving a complete diet to an individual. Therefore, the demand has increased over years. The rapid and abundant

demand was not met by the traditional techniques. After Second World War, the introduction of modern technology

along with the construction of infrastructures like harbours, large landing sites, cold storages, processing plants, new

markets, etc have succeeded in meeting up to the growing demands. Thus, development of fisheries has assigned to

be important to improve the world economy. As per Rekha Gaonkar et al., in recent years, intensive fishing made by

commercialising and mechanisation of fishing which have resulted in excessive pressure on the inexhaustible

resources.

A nation like India, fisheries sector is not just a cheap and nutritious source of food supplies but also provides

abundant employment opportunities which are extensively seen in coastal regions. Fisheries sector do not just

include fishing but most works are seen pre and post-harvest of fishes such as repairing nets and boats, processing

and transportation of fishes. Fisheries sector also support canneries, processing establishments, gear and other

fishing equipment manufacturers, boatyards refrigeration and ice making plant and transport services that are the

important sources of employment to lakhs of people of the country. In India, around 7 million people depend on

fisheries, out of which 11 lakhs are fisherwomen residing in 2500 coastal villages.

Karnataka is one of the nine maritime states on India bestowed with a long coast line and vast continental shelf area

particularly rich in fisheries resources and sufficient inland water resources. Karnataka is constantly creating a base

for the fishermen to improve their socio-economic status. Despite which majority of them remain poor facing many

problems. Speaking of women in fishing communities, have always been involved in some aspect of the fishing

activities, and generally quite prominent in the preparation of fish and delivering to accessible markets. Hence

development of fisher women as becomes a prominent initiative taken by the international organisations.

Despite these initiatives and the shift in focus of more recent decades, some believe that the contribution made by

women, whether direct or indirect, paid or unpaid, often receives little recognition (Nadel and Davis 1988)

Focusing on the fisheries sector in Udupi district, there are various elements which are extensively observed and

recorded. Firstly, fishing is a traditional occupation of a Mogaveeraa community mainly headed by female.

Mogaveeraa women have traditionally involved in post-harvest works in the landing sites to sustain their family.

Mogaveeraa community is a dominant community in Udupi and has backed by powerful associations to support

women. These communities generally lack formal education and belong to lower class, yet aspire to better their

financial status by being a helping hand in post-harvest process. Very limited time is spent with their families as she

spends day selling fishes or other related works and later with the household chores. They aspire their children to get

education and have a better job opportunity beyond the fisheries sector.

Journal of Xi'an University of Architecture & Technology

Volume XII, Issue V, 2020

ISSN No : 1006-7930

Page No: 481

Literature Review

Some researchers have conducted their study related to the status and lifestyle of the fisherwomen in various

regions. The most focused area of the projects undertaken is the constant discrimination in the society in terms of

caste, creed, colour and religion. Fisherwomen are considered to be the head of the family and are the main bread

earner in the family. Nowadays, male have joined to work in non-fisheries sector thus reducing the burden of fulfilling

the financial needs of the family. The study conducted by Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute during 1985

highlights that women in every family who wholly depend on fisheries, indulge in working for maintaining the

economic status of the family. On the other hand, a study conducted by Madhu (1980) made to determine the status

of the fisherwomen mainly depended on the economic, technological advancements, ownership of assets and

traditional socio-cultural factors. Few other stressed on the factors like employed position, marital status and level of

education.

Traditionally, it is seen in the Mogaveeraa community is driven by the women who spends most of her time in

supporting the male in post harvesting activities. According to a study made by Chandra and Rao in 1987 reported

that fisher women were spotted at sea front in the darkness before sunrise and carry headload of around 20 kgs to the

distant market place. Fisherwomen do not want their children to continue their occupation and thus extensively

stress to give best education.

Problems faced by the fisherwoman are seen in a regular basis. A research paper prepared by Varambally (1989)

highlighted the problems especially faced by the fisherwomen residing in the Dakshina Kannada District. Few

identifiable problems listed are non-availability of ice and storage facilities, improper transportation, lack of

marketing yards and lack of finance. Based on his study he has suggested methods to uplift the exploited section of

women in fisheries sector. He stresses on the involvement of cooperative societies to hold interest in marketing and

also provide them with the financial assistance as well as improve their saving habit. He also considers government

involvement is necessary in providing best schemes and build markets in the remote areas. As the fisherwomen do

not have a basic education, it is necessary to spread general awareness among them.

Objectives of the study:

1) To study the socio-economic status of fisherwomen in Udupi district

2) To evaluate the problems faced by the fisherwomen in the work place.

3) To study the status of fisherwomen based on demographic factor

Limitations:

The study conducted is exposed to few limitations. Respondents are selected on a random basis and are just a sample

of 100 fisherwomen. Conclusion taken from this survey may not depict the interest of the whole community. There

can be biased and unclear thoughts of the respondents which likely differ based on the time and place of the

interview taken. Most of the respondents were not interested to disclose little information such as income.

Methods

Study area

The study was conducted in Udupi district. The study was made in the place where maximum number of

fisherwomen is resided. The regions selected for the study are Udupi, Malpe (port), Padubidre and Kundapur where

an appreciable number of people are directly or indirectly engage extensively in the fishing activity.

Data collection methods

Primary data was collected in the respective areas regarding the socio economic and demographic factors. One

hundred numbers of fisherwomen were selected through simple random sampling for questionnaire and interviews

from the selected area. The location close to the sea shore and having port harbours are mainly considered for this

study. A total of 100 fisherwomen are personally interviewed during the survey. A predetermined structural

questionnaire was prepared to collect the required data for the study. I have spent time discussing with the

fisherwomen regarding their background, beliefs and struggle faced on a daily basis.

Data processing analysis

Pre tabulation process includes scrutinising the data and tries to eliminate possible errors. The data are further entered,

processed and analysed through simple statistical methods using Microsoft excel.

Data Analysis:

The data required for the analysis are collected using structured questionnaire. Aggregate of one hundred

respondents were personally interviewed based on the predetermined questions. The major locations considered for



ISSN No : 1006-7930

Page No: 482

Age

50 42

40 33

30

20 17

10

8

0

Frequency

30 - 40 40-50 50-60 Above

60

Marital status

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

Married Unmarried Widow Separate

Malpe Udupi Padubidre Kundapur

conducting the surveys are fish markets and ports. The information provided by the respondents were keenly

observed and recorded during the survey. Few of the favours focused are analysed below for a better analysis and

interpretation of the data collected.

Age

Graphical representation of age of the respondents (Source: Field survey)

Interpretation: Maximum responses collected belong to the age group between 40 to 50 years, say 42 percent of the

total response. Age group between 50 to 60 years gross up to 33 percent of the total response. From the above data

we can see that most of the middle-aged women are engaged in post fishing activity and involvement of younger

generation is very low. The age group between 40 to 60 was more expressive and shared their stories of hardships. In

the process of study, the age group between 30 to 50 revealed that they mostly neglected family for managing their

financial stability

Regional bifurcation regarding the marital status

Tabular representation of marital status of the respondents


Married 29 32 14 12

Unmarried

2

-

-

-

Widow 8 2 - 1

Separate

-

-

-

-

39 34 14 13

Graphical representation regarding marital status.



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Page No: 483

Years of service

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

Less than 10 10-20 20-30 Above 30


Interpretation:

Survey taken in Malpe, Udupi, Padubidre and Kundapur revealed that there is a mutual understanding between the

couples and try hard to fulfil the necessities of the family. 80 percent of the response were married. Few revealed that

the bad habits of their husbands are disturbing the atmosphere ending up with small fights on a regular basis. It is also

seen that most of the women of Mogaveera community prefer joining non fishing jobs despite of lower salary. In

point of view of the fisherwomen under study believe that it would earn them more respect in the society.

Years of service

Tabular representation of years of service of respondents

Years of service

Malpe

Udupi

Padubidre

Kundapur

Total

Less than 10

7

5

0

2

14%

10-20

17

16

2

1

36%

20-30

13

11

12

9

45%

Above 30

2

2

0

1

5%

39

34

14

13

100%

Graphical representation regarding the year of service

Interpretation: Out of the total response, 45% had an experience of 20 to 30 years. Most of them belonged to

Mogaveera caste, whose traditional occupation is fishing. In younger age they learnt the skill of peeling, cutting and

cleaning fishes. They worked in port for segregating fishes, packaging for exports and delivering within the states.

Apart from these, they worked in fish net making business. Being a fisherwoman and sell fishes irrespective of

climatic conditions shows the dedication and respect towards their job.



ISSN No : 1006-7930

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Occupation

14

58 28

Dry fish Raw/dry fish Raw/ ice fish

Educational qualification

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

Illiterate Primary Secondary Higher sec Graduate and any

other

Kinds of fishes sold

Graphical representation of kinds of fishes sold

Interpretation: As per the study, most of them believe that sale of raw fishes is quick and thus act as a regular

income. Early morning fisherwomen walk into port for the bidding process, purchase fishes and fills their basket

having a target set to earn profit. Few have their own transport means to reach markets and rest opt headload. Dry

fishes are a long process and slow earning; hence they often tend to join the companies which exports dry fish in their

locality rather than selling on their own.

Qualification

Educational status of the respondents

Educational qualification Frequency

Illiterate 58

Primary 32

Secondary 10

Higher Secondary 0

Graduate and any other 0

100

Interpretation: As per the study, most of the respondents are illiterate or fall below the basic literacy level. 58% of

the total response are illiterate. Despite of it, they aspire their children to avail best education and join a reputed job

in the future. Education is a key indicator of socio-economic status and younger generation of this community show a

gradual shift towards the white collared jobs.



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No. of Earners

3

18 5

42

32

1 2 3 4 above 5

No. of dependents

21 5

17

26 31

1 2 3 4 above 5

Number of members in a family:

Number of family members stays at home

No of family member Response

1 5

2 9

3 13

4 24

5 32

above 5 17

Graphical representation of number of earners and dependents in a house

Interpretation: The above table shows the number of members in the family. 32 respondents have 5 members and 24

respondents have 4 members in the family. We can see that family members above 5 is in a decreasing trend, which

highlights joint family is being disintegrated into small families. Amongst other reasons, increase in the cost of living

with irregular income have caused dispersion of joint families.

Generally, both men and women indulge in fisheries activities. They tend to keep their children far from the work,

aspiring them to get higher degrees and reputed jobs. Hence, we can find concentration in 2 and 3 categories. 42

respondents agree that there are only two earners in the family. And 32 respondents have stated that three family

members are earning.

31 respondents have 3 dependants and 26 respondents state 4 dependants in their family, mostly includes their

children and parents. As there is a dissolution of joint family, 21 respondents state to have dependants above 5.

Residential status

Types of house the respondents live in

House Types Frequency

Pucca 24

Semi pucca 57

Kutcha 19



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Residence status

Urban

Rural

46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53

Graphical representation of residential status of the respondents

Interpretation: 52 percent of the respondents are in rural area and 48 percent in urban area of Udupi district. type of

house owned by the fisherwomen gives hints regarding the economic status of the fisherwomen. The kutcha house is

seen decreasing and semi pucca are found popularly. Most of the pucca house is built on taking loan by the

fisherwomen in cooperative societies. House consist of one or two small rooms and all stay in a community rather

than spreading in different locality.

Annual Income Annual income level of the respondents

Annual income Malpe Udupi Padubidre Kundapur

Below 75000 2.56% 8.82% 21.43% 7.69%

75000 – 125000 17.95% 35.29% 50.00% 30.77%

125000- 175000 46.15% 50.00% 28.57% 61.54%

175000- 225000 28.21% 5.88% 0.00% 0.00%

275000- 325000 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Above 325000 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

Interpretation: Annual income of fisherwomen residing in Malpe, Udupi, Padubidre and Kundapur are shown in the

above table. Most of the fisherwomen earns in between 125000 to 175000 as per the collected data. 47 percent of

totalrespondents belong to this category in aggregate. The income status of fisherwomen in Malpe is higher when

compared to other places mentioned above. Lowest annual income of below 75000 is seen in Padubidre, grossing

upto 21.43% of total response. Unlike Padubidre, rest of the regions are highly populated and consumes more fish. It

is seen that fisherwomen residing in and around Padubidre opt selling fishes in Udupi markets for better price.

Major expenditure

The major expenditure of the respondents on demographic basis

Major

expenditure/expenses Malpe Udupi Padubidre Kundapur Total

Education 54% 56% 64% 54% 56%

Acquire assets 15% 12% 0% 8% 11%

Repay debt 5% 9% 0% 15% 7%

Groceries 18% 15% 29% 23% 19%

medicines for treatment 8% 9% 7% 0% 7%

100% 100% 100% 100% 100%



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Major expenditure/expenses

25

20

15

10

5

0

Malpe Udupi

Padubidre Kundapur

Education

Groceries

Acquire assets Repay debt

medicines or treatment

Graphical representation of major expenditure based on demographic region

Interpretation: from the above we can identify that 56 percent of total response states that major expenditure faced

by them is to meet up educational cost of their children. Fisherwoman is aware about the importance of education

and aspire their children to get a reputed white collared job as well as recognition in the society. Thus, they consider

education expense as an investment. Apart from education, 11 and 19 respondents spend on purchasing assets and

groceries respectively. When a family have more than 5 dependants and a sole earner, most of the income is drawn

for daily requirements and cannot be ignore. Repay of debts are quite rare which includes loan taken for purchasing

fishery related equipment’s for herself or her family members.

Modes of saving

The various modes of saving made by the respondents

Modes of saving Malpe Udupi Padubidre Kundapur Total

responses

SB A/C 59% 62% 43% 77% 60

RD,s in Post/ women’s association

18%

12%

14%

15% 15

Money held in hand 5% 3% 7% 0% 4

Account in

Cooperative society

18%

24%

36%

8% 21

100% 100% 100% 100% 100

Graphical representation of modes of saving classifies on basis of region

Modes of saving

Kundapur

Padubidre

Udupi

Malpe

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

SB A/C RD 'S in Post/ womens association Money held in hand Account in coperative socitey



ISSN No : 1006-7930

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Reasons to be fisherwomen

Tradition Poverty

Economic independence Usage of liesure time

Job opportunity with low investment

Interpretation: As per the study, 60 percent of the respondents deposit their savings in savings bank account.

Number of savings made in Local women association and cooperative societies highlights the awareness of savings.

During the survey, fisherwomen revealed the purpose of saving and majority of them agreed that the amount saved

is for children’s higher education, marriage purpose and to meet emergency needs in the future. Only 4% of the

respondents still follow traditional method of saving like hiding it in the closets and kitchen.

Reason to opt the occupation

The reasons to opt the occupation as a fisherwoman

Graphical representation regarding the reasons to opt to be fisherwomen

Reason why children do not want to join fisheries

The reasons why children do not want to join fisheries

Reason why children do not want to join fisheries Percentage

Irregular income source 52

Unrespectful job 25

Religious factor 0

Risk factor 19

Other 4

100

Reason Frequency

Tradition 59

Poverty 14

Economic independence 24

Usage of leisure time -

Job opportunity with low

investment 3

100



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Do children wish to join fisheries?

No

Yes

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Reason for not willing to join

Irregular income source Unrespectful job Religious factor Risk factor Other

Whether the children of the respondents want to join fisheries.

Graphical representation regarding the reason for not joining

Interpretation: 72 respondents reveal that their children do not want to continue being fisherwomen or

work in any of the related fisheries sector. Main reason for not joining fisheries is irregularity in income,

unrespectful job and risk factor. They have seen their parents toiling whole day ignoring their health and

family and yet fail to earn respect in the society. Due to these reasons we can see a shift of younger

generation towards white collared jobs despite of low salary. Methods used to sell fish

The methods used to sell fish

Methods used to sell fish Frequency

Head load 24

Use vehicle 2

Weekly market 7

Fish market 61

Hold a permanent place 6

100



ISSN No : 1006-7930

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Methods used to sell fish

Head load Use vehicle Weekly market Fish market Hold a permanent place

Are they satisfied with the earnings from

fisheries?

No

Yes 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Subsidiary source of earning

agriculture

5%

any other

( working

in related

industry)

46%

dairy

farming

26%

labour

work

23%

Graphical representation of methods used to sell fish

Interpretation: 61 percent of the respondents sell fish in the local markets. Early morning, they join the biding

process to purchase fish at a best price at the port. 24 respondents sell fish walking through the lanes and to each

house. Irrespective of climatic condition they need to sell fish for their livelihood. 6 respondents hold a permanent

place and 7 respondents in weekly markets.

Subsidiary source of income

whether respondents are satisfied with the primary income

Interpretation: Fisheries sector closes mostly during rainy season as it is very hard and risky to catch fish in the

middle of the sea. For a safer side, every family depend on subsidiary source of income. A small amount of money

generated from the listed activities helps to meet daily expenses and as savings during an emergency. Around 46%

work in related industries such as net making, fish curing and preservation and many more. 26% depend on dairy



ISSN No : 1006-7930

Page No: 491

farming. Fisherwomen often spend time in delivering the milk within the locality. This helps improving the savings as

well as act as a source of food. 23% of the respondents choose labour work to make money during the off season.

Participation in Fisherwomen Association

In the capitalist world, fisherwomen found a requirement to create an association to voice on behalf of each woman

regarding the issue of discrimination in terms of gender, caste, creed, class and colour. Apart from the discrimination

issues, these association provide both moral and financial support to the fisherwomen and her family. It is quite

successive in managing to fulfil both professional and personal needs of the fisherwomen. It also holds a thread of

powerful politician backgrounds and other related federation groups. It helps fisherwomen to grab opportunities

provided by the government with best subsidised rates and schemes.

In the survey, 86 respondents have joined the association in their respective localities and avail most of the schemes

especially for home loans, personal loans and other financial assistance. Popular federation heard during the survey

are S.K & Udupi District Co-operative Fish Marketing Federation Ltd, The Udupi Fresh Fish Seller’s Association,

Meenugarara Sahakari Vividodhesha Sanga Samsthe Niyamitha Heroor and many such small groups in each locality.

Schemes availed by the fisherwomen are Masthya mahila swavalambhana yojana and Masthyashraya Scheme for

personal and home loans as per the government requisites. Through this federation fisherwomen especially the fresh

fish sellers report their grievance regarding the lack of facilities in the market place or also demand for the market in

a place. If the requests are valid, federation gathers all support from the other federation and politicians to pass the

request to the higher authorities.

Out of 86 respondents only 54 members actively take part in the federation meetings. Remaining go during the

important meetings only. In the meetings, grievances from different fisherwomen are heard and discussed. It follows

a procedure and protest for the rights of the fisherwomen when government fail to oblige to the plea.

Analysis of problems faced by the fisherwomen

The problem faced by the respondents in different functional areas

Problems SA

(%)

A

(%)

U

(%)

D

(%)

SD

(%) R

1 Problem in workplace

a Problems regarding cleanliness of

the market 43 57 100

b Problems regarding the facilities in the market 79 21 100

c Conflict with other fisherwomen 11 36 16 37 100

2 Problems in Transportation

a Inadequate transport facility to reach market 64 18 4 14 100

b High cost of transport 67 7 26 100

3 Problem in Marketing

a Over exploitation by middlemen 56 31 13 100

b Fluctuation in price 22 51 12 15 100

c Inadequate demand 46 54 100

d Excessive working hours 52 7 24 17 100

e Delay in payment 34 55 11 100

4 Problem in Preservation

a Inadequate storage facility 88 12 100

b Curing facility not available 96 4 100



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Problems in workplace

80

60

40

20

0 Problems regarding

cleanliness of the

market

Problems regarding

the facilities in the

market

Conflict with other

fisherwomen

Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree

Problem in Transportation

80

60

40

20

0

Inadequate transport facility to reach

market

High cost of transport


Graphical representation of problems faced in workplace

Interpretation: in this study, 68 respondents who sell fishes in market responded to this problem. all the 68

respondents face problem regarding cleanliness of the market as well as problem due to ill infrastructure facilities.

There are no proper washroom facilities, water facilities, drainage clogs, waste disposal area, etc. Comparatively

fisherwomen surveyed in fish market located in Udupi city have a better facility but not fully facilitated. Apart from

the infrastructure, I discussed regarding the relationship with the competitors during the survey process. As all

fisherwomen share a same place to sell their fishes, the intensity of competition is very high. Quarrels and shouts are

common to pull customers to purchase their fishes. Only 47 percent of them agreed that they do have conflicts with

few groups in the market and it is acceptable in a competitive place. 37 percent do not agree with the concept of

conflict and consider them to be friends out of the market place. And remaining stay neutral without expressing

much regarding the issue.

Graphical representation of the problem in transportation

Interpretation: Transportation is proven to be a main issue. Fisherwomen were not allowed in the public transport

during the morning time to avoid the foul smell of fishes. Few managed to pool vehicle to their market place and share

the cost equally. This reduced their cost to greater extent. To avoid such transportation cost, few sell fishes in nearby

locality by carrying it on her head. 82 percent of the total respondents agree that they face problems due to improper

transport facility to the market place. 74 percent of the total respondents are facing problem due to high cost of

transportation



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Problem in preservation process

120

100

96 88

80

60

40

20

12 4

0

Inadequate storage facility Curing facility not available

Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

Problem in Marketing

60 56

51 54

52

50 46

40 31

30 22

24

20 13

15

12

17

10 7

0

Over exploitation by Fluctuation in price Inadequate demand Excessive working

middlemen hours


Graphical representation of problem faced in marketing place

Interpretation: Fisherwoman who cannot afford buying fish in bulk in the morning, they purchase it from middleman

and the amount is liable to be paid in the evening. This is when middlemen take disadvantage by raising the cost of

the fishes. As few of the fisherwomen cannot afford to buy directly hence, they opt credit facility from the middle

men. Around 56 percent face the problem of overexploitation by the middlemen. 31 percent of them stay undecided

regarding this matter and remaining disagreed.

Fluctuation in demand and price is seen on a daily basis. All 100 respondents agree on regular changes in demand

have caused lot of problems. Price fluctuates in relation with the demand and scarcity of the kind of fishes.73 percent

of the respondents consider changes in the price have created problems sometimes ending up in losses. It is hard to

predict the price both in the landing sites and in the markets. At peak hours the rate is changes as per the demand rate

and thus, they have an irregular amount of earnings

Fisherwomen usually stay until they empty their basket or have very little fishes in the basket which can be used for

a personal consumption. Most of the time they spend outside the house selling fishes irrespective of climatic

condition. They do agree that they were not able to spend much time with their children and family. 59 percent

consider they work extensively to feed and support their family needs and requirements. 17 percent of them manage to

return home before 7p.m. After returning home, she needs to take care of household works. Women belonging to the

Mogaveeraa community is considered to be the strongest and hardworking.

The problem placed in the preservation process



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Interpretation: 88 percent of them face problem faced due to inadequate storage facility and 96 percent 28 respondents

who sell dry fishes face problem due to improper curing facility. Fishes need to be cut, salted and dried in sunlight. It

takes a long and tedious process to get an end product. As it is kept for drying in an open space, most of the time is

spent in safeguarding it. If lot of fishes remain without getting sold within evening, they have no refrigerator either at

home nor in the market where they could preserve for tomorrow. It is either sold at very less price or used for

preparing dry fish.

Findings:

Majority of the respondents belong to the age group between 40 to 60 years. In other words, 75

percentage of total respondents belong to middle age group

80 percent of the respondents are married. Both works hard to meet the ends of the family needs.

40 percent of the total respondents had an experience of 20 to 30 years. During their early days they spent

working in peeling, cutting and cleaning fishes in the industries and landing sites.

58 percent of the respondents sell fresh fishes and only 14 percent sell dry fishes.

58 percent of the total respondents are illiterate despite which they aspire their children to get best

education.

Joint families are dissolving to form nuclear families. 32 respondents have 5 members in the family and

above five the data clearly shows the downtrend. Smaller the family, better and less expenses to be met

as per few of their thoughts. They have more dependents than the earners in a family.

52 percent reside in rural areas and 48 percent in urban. 57 percent stay in semi pucca house and the 24 in

pucca house. Most of the pucca house is built by taking loan from the schemes provided by the

governments.

47 percent of the respondents belong to the income range between 125000 to 175000. The income level

of fisherwomen in Malpe is highest and least in Padubidre. This difference is mostly due to the

difference in the consumption rate in the particular region. Respondents belonging to Padubidre depend

on the subsidiary source of incomes to meet the financial needs and they travel to Udupi to get access to

better marketing opportunities.

56 percent of total responses highlights that major expenditure in their family is to meet educational cost

of their children. 11 percent spend in acquiring assets seen mostly in Malpe and Udupi.

60 percent of them hold savings bank account and just 4 percent still hold money in their closets. We can

see the drastic shift to transfer the savings in to financial institutions and also highlights the importance of

savings.

72 percent of respondents’ children do not want to continue the traditional occupation. Instead they

aspire for white collared jobs and the main reason is to earn respect in the society.

61 percent of the respondents sell fishes in local markets.

As the primary source of income is not sufficient to meet financial needs, they depend on subsidiary

source of income say agriculture, dairy farming (26%), labour work (23%), and working in related

industries (46%).

86 respondents have joined the fisherwomen association and are aware regarding the benefits from the

association.

68 percent of the total respondents who sell fishes in markets face the problems of uncleanliness and

improper facilities and drainage problems.

82 percent face problem due to transportation and 74 percent of them are suffering from high cost of

transportation.

56 percent of them suffer due to interference of middlemen in the process. Fluctuations in demand and

price have constantly hit the family income.

Conclusion

The research puts light on the socio-economic status of the fisherwomen in Udupi district. Fisherwomen generally

belonging to Mogaveera community are idealised to be the strongest and hardworking person. Irrespective of their

age and years of experience they still urge to work harder each day to provide economic stability to her family.59

percent of the respondents continued the tradition followed in their family, being a fisherwoman. Most of the

fisherwomen are illiterate but she aspires her children to get the best education. 58 percent of the fisherwomen are

illiterate as per the survey analysis. In the study, the income level of majority of the fisher women (61.54%) was seen

in the slab of 125000 to 175000. Financial status of fisherwomen in the Malpe is comparatively better as 28.21% of

the respondents from Malpe lie in the slab rate from 175000 to 225000. Respondents from Padubidre show low

income level. Majority of the fisherwomen spend their earnings for the education of their children. In aggregate 56%

of total response consider education as their major expenses. These highlights that younger generation are shifting



ISSN No : 1006-7930

Page No: 495

from traditional occupation to white collared jobs. Despite of low salary they consider that they get respect in the

society. Savings drives the family to a secure future. Fisherwomen have shifted from the savings hid at home closets

to the bank accounts. Around 4 percent still hide money at their closet whereas 60 percent opt savings bank account

and 21 percent in societies. Income earned from selling fishes is not sufficient hence they also depend on subsidiary

sources like agriculture, working in related industries, labour work. In this study, problem faced by the fisherwomen

is analysed in respective of different functions of work. Major problem faced by the fisherwomen is uncleanliness and

improper infrastructure facilities. They do not have cheap source of transportation facilities to the distant markets.

Public transports usually do not allow carrying the fish baskets in the early morning. Hence an alternative mode is

taken by the fisherwomen which have added on to their cost. The respondents grieved about the exploitation of

middlemen as they vary price unreasonably and without any choice, they purchase fishes on credit basis ending up

with low profit. They need to balance the demand and price fluctuation between landing sites and market to generate

sufficient profit after excluding the cost incurred during the process. Fisheries sector is seasonal hence needs to save

up for the off season. Most spend off season in factories of net making, packaging, ice plants, etc to lead their

livelihood. This study helped me to get to know about the boldest and hardworking women whom we meet on a

daily basis share beautiful stories of hardships and sustainability. It is inspiring how woman supports her family and

balance both the work and family at the same time. Bibliography

1. Radha D (2015), “A study on the status and living conditions of fisherfolk families in south arcot

district” retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10603/35987

2. Salomi Christilight, “A study on the socio_economic aspects of the marine fisherfolk in

Thoothukudi District _ Tamilnadu” to determine the affecting factors.

3. Kaveri Thara, a study report made on “Protecting caste livelihoods on the western coast of India: an

intersectional analysis of Udupi’s fisherwomen”

4. Status of fisherwomen is retrieved from the below link

https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/132272/11/11_chapter%204.pdf

5. Description of present status of fisheries sector retrieved from the below link




ISSN No : 1006-7930

Page No: 496

http://hdl.handle.net/10603/35987



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