An Overview of Fishermen Cooperatives in West Bengal with Special Reference to Murshidabad District

Bhaskar Mahanayak
Department of Zoology, Berhampore Girls’ College, Berhampore, Murshidabad, West Bengal, India

Ashis Kumar Panigrahi
University of Burdwan and Professor (on-lien), Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, West Bengal, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/lbsopf.2024.e01.009

Keywords: Fishery, Fishermen, Cooperative, Socio-economic development

Abstract:
Fishery and aquaculture have immense potential in our country. This sector can play a vital role in boosting the economy as well as ensuring food security for the growing population. Fishermen cooperatives can be utilized for increased productivity in the fishery sector. The effective operation of the primary fishermen cooperatives can improve the socio-economic profile of the poor fishermen. West Bengal is endowed with rich fishery resources and formed nearly one thousand fisherman cooperatives. Murshidabad district has a large number of fishermen cooperatives among the districts of West Bengal. This district also has huge fishery resources. The secondary data shows that fish production is declining in Murshidabad and there is a deficit of production which is unable to fulfil the growing demand. Studies on the performance of fishermen cooperatives in various parts of the country showed that these can be utilized as effective tools for increased productivity and improved economy. In view of the above, the present study deals with the objective of a thorough understanding of the functioning of fishermen cooperatives in the district and searching for suitable remedial measures for their improvement. The study may have a large impact on the rural development of the district, particularly the development of the poor fishers, mostly belonging to the socially and economically backward scheduled caste category.

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How to Cite
Bhaskar Mahanayak and Ashis Kumar Panigrahi (2024). An Overview of Fishermen Cooperatives in West Bengal with Special Reference to Murshidabad District. © International Academic Publishing House (IAPH), Dr. Somnath Das, Dr. Ashis Kumar Panigrahi, Dr. Rose Stiffin and Dr. Jayata Kumar Das (eds.), Life as Basic Science: An Overview and Prospects for the Future Volume: 1, pp. 104-119. ISBN: 978-81-969828-9-8 doi: https://doi.org/10.52756/lbsopf.2024.e01.009

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