Thrust on Production and Export of Fish: Impact on Existing Institutions and Involving Communities in Emerging New Institutions: A Case of Gujarat (India)

Abstract

"The Indian economy is one of the fastest growing economies in the world today. All the sectors are of the economy are experiencing robust growth. The economic liberalization and increasing integration with world economy is leading to greater emphasis on production for export. Inspite of a long coastline of 8118 kms and tremendous potential to harness marine resources, not much attention has been paid on the issues faced by this sector and realizing the full potential of export of marine products in India, however, it is the third largest producer of fish and second largest producer of inland fish in the world. It is a source of cheap and nutritious food besides being a major foreign exchange earner. The fisheries sector provides employment to over 11 million people engaged fully, partly or in subsidiary activities pertaining to the sector, besides a good number of people engaged in ancillary activities. The present production of fish is much below the potential of fish production. The state of Gujarat accounts for a 1600 kms.of coastline i.e. one-fifth of India's coastline. Like India, in Gujarat also the potential of fish production has not been realized fully to its potential. The present paper attempts to study trends in production and exports of fish from India and Gujarat. Further, it studies recent policy initiatives taken by the government during past few years. Further, the role played by various stakeholders in production of fish in Gujarat has been discussed. For this purpose the interaction of stakeholders in two main centres of fish production namely, Veraval and Mangrol have been discussed. How the fishery resources are exploited and various emerging institutions have been studied. Further, how community involvement is affecting these institutions has been analyzed and probable best solution based on principles of common resource management has been made."