Potential of Extension in the Fisheries Development of Assam, India
National Seminar on 'Management Challenges in fisheries of Rivers and Associated Ecosystems: Issues and Strategies' April 16-17, 2005, Barrackpore, India, pp. 76.
Posted: 2 Jul 2012
Date Written: July 2, 2012
Abstract
Assam is blessed with enormous water resources (3.74 lakh hectares) comprising rivers, beels, derelict water bodies, reservoirs and pond/tank. Though having more than 95 percent fish eating population still the fisheries potential is untapped. Traditional methods of fishing are applied in rivers, a large number of beels, swamps, and ponds/tanks. The annual fish production is only 1.81 lakh tones against the estimated demand of 2.83 lakh tones. The under utilization of resources and high demand supply gap indicates the high potential of fisheries in the state of Assam. The potential that extension has to play in the fishery development of Assam is enormous for the livelihood and nutritional security of the fishers as well as the sustainability of fisheries. If the potential of fishers’ population (153800) who are either directly or indirectly engaged in fishing and fish related activities are properly managed, it should be possible for the domestic production to meet the domestic demand. This requires giving proper attention to harnessing potential yield of various fisheries sub sectors. The best way to achieve this is to strengthen the fisheries extension system which includes constant linkages between research and extension system, area specific application of technology, training of extension staff should be timely frequent and relevant to the need of the fishers.
Keywords: fisheries, Assam, extension, technology transfer system
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation