Socio Economic Analysis of Dried Fish Producers in Trincomalee District
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Date
2014
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Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
Marine fisheries sector plays an important role in Sri Lankan social and economic life. Dried fish processing is an important venture in Sri Lankan small- scale fisheries. However, annual production has not been adequate to meet the increasing local demand.
Sri Lanka imports 60 percent of dried fish though the fish resource is available around the island. Thus the study was designed to find out the present status of dried fish production in Trincomalee, to analyze the economical aspects and profitability in dried fish processing and marketing and to suggest solutions for the production based issues from producer's point of view. Sixty dried fish producers from Kinniya and Muthur were drawn using snow ball sampling technique. Primary data were collected through Questionnaire, Key informants discussions and in-depth interviews. Secondary data sources were collected by Annual reports of MFARD & NARA, Journals, Articles and internet. Data were analyzed descriptively and statistically. Results show that the men play a major role in dried fish production (100%). Main knowledge source on processing were from parents (53%), siblings (27%), training (17%). Skipjack Tuna, Leather skin fish and Sardinella were major varieties produce in both area. Family (22%), Siblings (22%) and friends (21%) were main supporters for dried fish producers. Majority of them are getting raw fish from boat owners (35%), fishermen (31%). None of the sample unit mentioned (100%) lack of government supports or any organizations support. When considering the seasonality of the production in Kinniya and Muthur was calculated as there is a production declines at September to October because of the monsoonal wind then production is increasing at April to August. Production is fully down because of the monsoonal rain during November to January. Higher profit (250.00 LKR) is earned from Leather skin fish and also the quantity of Leather skin fish production is high (58530kg per week/producer). Hundred percent of the producers, themselves act as wholesaler, retailer, and also direct sellers to consumers and collectors. wholesaler profit for Skipjack Tuna, Leather skin fish and Sardinella were respectively 158.00 LKR , 250.00 LKR and 158.00 LKR in Kinniya and Muthur. Almost all producers (100%) sell through wholesaler demonstrating an external relationship with outsiders Albeit, there are multi-faceted intra & inter relationships, an institutional arrangement is lacking. Muslims culture in both sites allows only men to engage in dried fish processing minimizing women involvement The main problems encountered by dried fish producers in Kinniya and Muthur are, lack of initial cost (80%), uncertain
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Weather condition (100%), lack of beach (60%), Government restrictions in fishing (90%) The following solutions were provided as pragmatic strategies, loan facility (100%), and implementation of a society (60%) and introducing modern driers (80%). Religion & cultural taboos further restrict expansion of the industry dried fish producers, association would be worthwhile by giving equal opportunities for both men & women producers that broaden their social networks & relationships and the study suggests the government support need for dried fish producers to develop the industry.
Keywords- Dried fish production, Socio analysis
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Aquatic Resources Technology Degree Programme ( AQT)