Review of Literature on Fish Marketing in Coastal Districts of Karnataka - Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: In Indian economy fishing has its own importance. India is one of the largest producers of fish both sea and in land. Fisheries help in expanding food supplies, employment generating, raise nutritional level and earn foreign exchange. The fisheries production contributes around 1% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and over 5% of agricultural GDP. The fisheries sector provides employment for over 11 million people who are fully employed, part time or in ancillary activities related to the sector with an equally impressive proportion of the population engaged in ancillary activities. At present, India being the largest fish producers in the world, accounts for about 6% of global fish production. Purpose of the study to know the challenges of fresh fish marketing activity and the opportunities for fishermen and women in fresh fish marketing in view of improvement of their socio - economic status as well as supply of quality products to ultimate consumers. Fish sellers faces numerous problems while marketing the fish such as poor drainage, safety, electricity, icing, personal expenses, unsanitary environment and transportation, etc., The development of fish marketing facilities is vital, by improving fish transportation facilities, building an ice factory and introducing a fish quality monitoring unit. Design/Methodology/Approach: In this study systematic literature review methodology is used to identify research gap and research agendas. A technical study was used for research. Studies based on the secondary information. Information related to fisheries problem in procurement, transportation, selling the fresh will be collected. Their views regarding magnitude of the problems will be presented in tabular form. Further their expectation from institutional agency and their support for fisheries activities. Secondary data is collected through books, newspapers, previous research and government websites. Findings: Significant number of research initiatives in the field of Fish marketing issues, management, functions, climate change effect, performance of fisheries cooperatives in the international and in India but very few studies are done to socio - economic conditions of fisher - women, fish - marketing in Coastal District of Karnataka – Challenges and opportunities. Level of education in fish marketing is low. Adequate storage conditions must be provided to preserve the fish. Finally, this paper highlights the challenges of fresh fish marketing activity and the opportunities for fishermen and women in fresh fish marketing regarding improvement in their socio - economic status as well as supply of quality products to ultimate consumers. Recommendations for future research are also formulated in systematic literature reviews. Originality/Value: Fisherwomen plays an important role in fisheries sector and responsible for providing services to fishing families and community networks and support structures. Studies have not thrown light on problems of fisherwomen in procurement, processing, transportation and marketing of fresh fish in distinct location. Academia, researchers and experts working in the field of fish marketing will find this article useful in understanding the current state of the literature on fish marketing opportunities and challenges and existing gaps. Paper Type: Review of Literature