Fishermen in Odisha are calling for compensation amidst the annual fishing ban enforced by the government from April 15 to June 14. The ban aims to conserve and manage fishery resources, prohibiting fishing activities by mechanised boats, big vessels, and trawlers for 61 days.
The ban allows traditional fishing crafts to operate, but around 1.50 lakh traditional fishermen in the state face financial strain due to the halt in sea fishing. K Alleya, general secretary of OTFWU, demands the government provide ₹15,000 per family per month during the ban period to alleviate the impact on livelihoods.
Moreover, fishermen advocate for including fisherwomen in the beneficiary list, as they play vital roles in fishery activities such as selling and transporting fish.
The fishing ban significantly affects the livelihoods of fishermen, prompting comparisons with initiatives in neighbouring states. Notably, the Andhra Pradesh government offered ₹10,000 to eligible fishermen’s families through the YSR Matsya Bharosa scheme during the ban period.
In response, the Odisha government plans to provide ₹4,500 per active family as livelihood support during the ban period under the “livelihood nutritional support for socio-economic background of active traditional fisheries families for conservation of fisheries resources during the ban period” scheme. However, fishermen stress the need for increased support to sustain their families during this challenging period.
