CHAPTER - 4

FISHERIES IN WEST BENGAL

 Chapter- 4

FISHERIES IN W EST BEN G A L

4.1. General Information

The state of West Bengal lies between latitude 213S' to 2710' North and
longitude 85*^38^ to 89*^50^ East.
The total area of this stale is 87, 853 sq. km. According to 1991 census the
total population of this state was 6, 80,77,965 of which 52.16% were males and
47,84% were females. It occupied 8.04% of the total population of India and it ranked
4 according to size of population among the various states of India. The density of
population was 775 persons per sq. km. The sex ratio was 917 females per 1000
males. During the period 1911 to 1991 the growth rate of population was 2.78% per
annum. The scheduled caste population was 23.62% of total population and the
scheduled tribe population was 5.6% of total population. The literacy rate was 57.70%
(67.81% among males and 46.56% among females). The scheduled caste l.teracy rate
was 42.21% (54.55% among males and 28.27% among females). The number of rural
households was 8909515 and the number of urban households was 3604899. The
rural literacy rale was 50.50% (62.05% among males and 38.12% among females)
and urban literacy rate was 75.27% (81.19% among males and 68.25% among
females). The state of West Bengal is divided into 3 Divisions, 18 Districts, 62 Sub-
Divisions, 429 Police Stations, 341 Blocks, 333 Panchayat Samities, 3247 Oram
Panchayats, 40911 Mouzas, 37910 Inhabited villages and 379 Towns.
W ater Resources

West Bengal has a vast water resource potentiality. By utilising these water
resources there is a great prospect of pisciculture. These resources can be divided into
two categories : i) Inland Water Resources and ii) Marine Water Resources.
Inland resources constitute ponds, rivers, marshy lands, canals, reservoirs etc.

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Table 4.1
Water Resources of West Bengal

A. Inland i) Tanks/Ponds 2,76,201.90 Ha.

ii) Beel/Baor 41,781.65 Ha.
iii) River 1,72,586.36 Ha.
iv) Reservoir 16,738.80 Ha.
vi) Canal 80,085.71 Ha.
vii) Brackish 2,10,000.00 Ha.
Total 801477.42 Ha.

B. Marine
Depth (in Mtrs) Area (Sq. Km.)
0-20 13,380
20-50 2,690
50-100 3,040
100-200 8,210
200-300 4,000
Total 315,320 Sq.km.
Source : Department of Fisheries, Government of West Bengal.

It should be noted that tanks/ponds occupy the major share i.e. 46.70% of total
inland water resources. But out of 2,76,202 Ha. area under ponds and tanks only
2,20,000 Ha. i.e. 79.65% are presently used for pisciculture which means 20.35%
remains unused. Moreover, out of 5,91,476.71 Ha. total inland water resource only
2.87000 Ha. water area is brought under pisciculture i.e. 48.56% are presently used
and 51.44% remains unused. This unused water resources can be brought under
pisciculture through proper utilization.
In West Bengal marine fishery has a substantial share amounting to a coast
line of 158 km. Inshore area upto 10 fathoms depth is 770 sq. km., offshore area (10-
40) fathoms depth is 1813 sq. km. and a continental shelf upto 100 Fathom is 17049
sq.km. Out of 19 districts of West Bengal only two districts East Midnapur and South
24-Parganas are coastal.

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Fishermen Population

It is very difficult to count correctly the actual population engaged in fishery

because of the general inadequacy of statistical data on fishermen population, the
difficulty of distinguishing between part-time/full-time participation and the casual
labourer engaged into this profession. According to 1991 census, the number of
fishermen in W.B. was 13,87.838. Among this population 85.68% were inland
fishermen and 14.32% were marine fishermen. The total number of fishermen village
was 11,200 and marine village was 652. In the year 1999-2000, the total number of
fishermen population of West Bengal was 14,87,149 (among which 53.94%) were
males and 46.06% were females) and the number of fishermen/women with active
participation was 6,24,027 (among which 72.73%) were males and 2121% w'ere
females) and the number of fishermen/women with occasional participation were
5,31,989 (among which 1531% were males and 24.63%o were females).
4.2 Organisational Set up

The State of West Bengal comprises of 18 fishery districts and 306 fishery
blocks. The West Bengal fishery department dixided West Bengal into 4 zones
namely Kolkata, Central, Western and Northern. And 18 districts fall in any one of
these zones. There is one Meenbhavana office at each district Head Quarter with an
Assistant Director of Fishery (A.D.F.) as the chief advisor.
Zones Districts
Calcutta Hoghly, Howrah, Nadia
Central Burdwan, Midnapur West, Malda, Murshidabad, Purulia, N-
24Parganas. S-24 Parganas
Western Birbhum, Bankura, Midnapur East
Northern Coochbehar. D-Dinajpur, N-Dinajpur, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri

Source : West Bengal Fisheries Index, FFDA, Meenbhavana, Burdwan.

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 Department of Fisheries Government of West Bengal
Minister-in Charge (M.I.C)
Secretary
Director
State Level I
Additional Director

Joint-Director Joint-Director
(M o nito rin g, Evaluation)
(Technical)
Marketing, Statistics

Deputy Director Deputy Director Deputy Director

(Regional) (Research) (Trainning)

Assistant Director Assistant Director Assistant Director Chief Executive

(Marine) (BFDA) (District) Officer (C.E.O,
FFDA)
District level

District Officer District Officer District Officer

(Normal) (Trainning) (Co-operative)

Fishery Extension Officer Assistant Fishery Officer

Fisheries Development
Assistant
Panchayat Samity
Level
Principal (Trainning)

F.E.O.
Fishery Extension Officer

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In each district the fishery advisers are Sabhadhipati, District Magistrate, FFDA,
A.D.F and Fishery Extension Officer (F.E.O.) i.e. these are the main functioning
bodies. The F.E.O works at the block level.
4.3 Development of Pond Fishery

Although there are vast water resources in West Bengal the main problem is
how to utilise these water resources. More than half of the total water area remains
unused. In order to utilise the vast water resources for augmenting fish production in
a scientific manner, Fish Farmers Development Agencies (FFDA) have been set up in
18 Fishery districts in the State. Besides giving technical guidance to the fish farmers
for scientific pisciculture, these agencies also help them to get Government subsidy
and institutional finance for their fishery activities. So far 106420.49 Ha. water area
in the state is brought under scientific pisciculture through the FFDA assisted
programmes. In the hill areas of Darjeeling the FFDA has taken up pisciculture by
impounding running water from hilly streams (Jhoras). There are 2841 Jhora units
each unit comprising 140 sq.m. of water area. Over the years the FFDAs have been
able to raise the productivity in the FFDAs water bodies from 600 kg. per Ha. per
annum in 1980-81 to 3000 kg per Ha. per annum in 1988-89. The average
productivity of FFDA assisted ponds in West Bengal is rated to be the highest in the
country.
From table 4.2 it is clear that during the year 1985-86 the total area covered
under FFDA Programme was 46063.12 Ha. and the no. of beneficiaries was 152205.
Now by intensive pisciculture through FFDA the total area has increased to
107814.28 Ha. in 1999-2000 and the no. of beneficiaries increased to 354695 in the
year 1999-2000.

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Table 4.2
Development of Pond Fishery under Inland Fisheries Project through FFDAs in
West Bengal

Year Water area covered in No. of beneficiaries

Ha. (cumulative)
1985-86 46063.12 152205
1986-87 52766.89 170816
1987-88 59870.07 191457
1988-89 66804.38 213109
1989-90 73535.31 229936
1990-91 79667.38 255043
1991-92 85328.78 275952
1992-93 89475.86 289184
1993-94 92670.43 302088
1994-95 95712.00 312709
1995-96 98837.39 322427
1996-97 101837.20 335122
1997-98 103825.96 342499
1998-99 105961.32 348606
1999-2000 107814.28 354695
Source : Department of Fisheries, Government of West Bengal.

4.4 Fish Production and Demand

West Bengal is on the top of the list in fish production in the country. With the
passage of time, more and more people are getting themselves involved in fisheries.
As fish constitutes the staple food of the people efforts are being made to augment
fish production. Table 4.3 shows the year-wise inland and marine fish production of
the state.

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Table 4.3
Production of fish in West Bengal (in thousand tonnes)
Year Inland Marine Total quantity
1985-86 384 40 424
1986-87 412 58 470
1987-88 443 62 505
1988-89 458 65 523
1989-90 512 89 601
1990-91 555 125 680
1991-92 592 140 732
1992-93 612 145 757
1993-94 653 153 806
1994-95 669 151 820
1995-96 740 153 893
1996-97 765 172 937
1997-98 786 164 950
1998-99 823 172 995
1999-2000 865 180 1045
Source : Department of Fisheries. Government of West Bengal.
From the period 1986 to 2000, the total fish production increased from 424000
tonnes to 1045,000 tonnes (i.e. 2.46 times). At the same period the inland fish
production increased 2.25 times and marine fish production increased 4.50 times. In
the year 1986, the share of inland and marine fisheries to total fish production were
91% and 9% respectively. But in the year 2000, the share of inland and marine
fisheries to total fish production are 83% and 17% respectively. Thus we see that
during the period 1986 to 2000, the share of inland fish to total production declined
(from 91% in 1986 to 83% in 2000) and the share of marine fisheries increased ( from
9% in 1986 to 17% in 2000).

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 Tabic 4.4
Year-wise Demand and Production of fish in West Bengal

Year Demand Production Deficit

(lakh tonnes) (lakh tones) or surplus
1995-96 10.2 8.93 (-1)1.27
1996-97 10.60 9.37 (-)1.23
1997-98 10.70 9.50 ( - ) 1.20

1998-99 10.93 9.95 (-) 0.98

1999-2000 1.15 10.45 (-) 0.70
Source : Department of Fisheries, Government of West Bengal
Not only in fish production but also in the demand for fish West Bengal is the
highest in the country. The domestic demand for fish in West Bengal is high because
almost all the people of West Bengal are fish-eating. Table 4.4 shows that this state
has a higher demand for fish than its production of fish i.e. this state has a deficit in
fish supply. To meet this gap West Bengal has to import fish from other states like
Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu etc. At the same time various efforts have been made to
augment fish production to bridge this gap.
4.5 Brackishwater Fish Culture

The state of West Bengal has the largest impounded Brackish water area in the
country. To utilise this vast water area three Brackishwater Fish Farmers
Development Agencies (BFDA) have been set up in the coastal districts of
Midnapore, N-24 Parganas and S-24 Parganas. The main objective of this scheme is
to provide a package of technical, financial and extension support to shrimp farmers.
The farmers have adopted improved traditional culture according to the guidelines of
Acquaculture Authority of India to maintain the eco-system of the coastal area. Macro
brachium (Galda) culture is a new idea to the fish farmers of this state. Prawn along
with other fishes are also being produced in a polyculture. For improved quality
prawn seed collection, 14 macro-brachium hatcheries and 4 (four) p. Monodon
hatcheries are being set up in the coastal area of this state. From table 4.5 it is clear
that, during the period from 1990 to 1999, under the BFDA programme the total water
area covered has increased from 236.91 Ha. to 2850.55 Ha. During the same period

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the number of trained fish farmers has increased from 1000 to 8151 and the total
number of beneficiaries has increased from 398 to 3779.
Table- 4.5
Achievement (cumulative Total Under BFDA of West Bengal)

Year No. of seed No. of farmers Water Area No. of

collectors trained covered (ha.) beneficiaries
trained
1989-90 570 1000 236.91 398
1990-91 1270 1835 394.31 672
1991-92 2070 5035 526.17 846
1992-93 3070 4106 728.21 1084
1993-94 4070 5106 1002.56 1477
1994-95 5070 5606 1316.09 1734
1995-96 5090 5768 1710.66 2040
1996-97 6217 2027.25 2405
1997-98 7010 2354.75 2954
1998-99 8151 2850.55 3779
Source : Department of Fisheries, Government of West, Bengal.

A new island named "Meendwip" located near Haldia has been selected for
this aquaculture development programme. This "Meendwip offers a great
opportunity for shrimp culture. About 250 Ha. water area is being utilized by co
operative societies with the financial assistance of NCDC and the rest of the water
area has been kept for prawn farming by individual entrepreneurs. After the
completion of the project, it is expected that it will be the biggest shrimp farm area in
the country. A World Bank aided Fish and Shrimp culture project has been taken in
the 480 Ha. brackish water area at four sites, namely Digha and Dadanpatrabar in
Midnapore district and Canning and Dighirpar in S-24 Parganas.
4.6 Development of Bee! Fisheries

The total area under Reels (i.e. ox-bow lakes) in West Bengal is 41,781.65 Ha.
i.e. 7.06% of the total inland water resources. At first these beels were connected with
rivers but latter most of the beels lost their connections from the mother river svstem.

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To utilize these water resources these beels have been brought under carp culture
mainly to increase fish production. The commercially important species of fish seeds
(i.e. carps) are used into these beels. The productivity of these beels is the highest in
the country. The Primary Fishermens Co-operative Societies (PFCS) help the
fishermen community giving them financial and technical supports.
4.7 Marine Fisheries in West Bengal

West Bengal has a coast lime of 158 km in the Bay of Bengal. Though the
coast line is very small but it is enriched with high quality nutrient fishes which has
high export value. The main productive areas are the creeks and canals of the
Sundarbans in the Bay of Bengal. In the early days, the fishermen caught marine fish
by traditional crafts and boats and hence their productivities were very low. But with
the passage of time, the demand for marine fish has gradually increased. To meet this
demand improved fishing techniques (i.e. the mechanization of the fishing vessels and
modernization of the fishing gears) are being used by the sea going fishermen. As a
result the total marine catch of fish has risen many-fold. The sea-going fishermen buy
high powered mechanized boats with the help of bank loans. To augment fish
production by generating rural employment and providing scope for economic
upliftment of the poor fishermen community, a pilot project has been taken up since
1981-82. During the period from 1982 to 1999, the number of mechanized boats
increased from 44 to 37 62, the number of traditional boats increased from 36 to 4850
and the number of beneficiaries under this programme increased from 560 to 47,888.
To catch fish in the sea area of Bay of Bengal is too much risky for the fish
farmers during the stormy period which is very uncertain phenomenon. To protect the
fish farmers the use of Satellite information service received from the National
Remote Sensing Agency. Hyderabad is very effective for the development of marine
fish production. Moreover, the information in daily special weather reports
broadcasting by All India Radio and Doordarsan, Calcutta and the daily newspapers
are also helpful media for the sea-going fishermen. The programmes of supply of
wireless walky-talky for use in the fishing boat and installation of wireless
communication center at Digha and Fraserganj have been taken up and the work is in
progress.

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 There are two minor fishing harbours in West Bengal : one at Shankarpur near
Digha and the other at Fraserganj in the Sundarbans. The model harbour Shankarpur
has all kinds of infrastructural facilities and also this place is famous as an eco-
tourism center. The Shankarpur Fishing Harbour with its total area of 66.56 acre is
under the administrative control of the West Bengal Fisheries Corporation Ltd. Now,
more than 500 mechanised boats per day are operating at Shankarpur and has a
berthing facility for 150 vessels. Fraserganj fishing harbour in S. 24-Parganas has a
berthing facility for 200 vessels and also for 500 mechanised boats. Moreover, there
are 53 Fish Landing Centres distributed in the coastal areas of the districts of S-24
Parganas, N-24 Parganas and East Midnapore. The West Bengal Marine Fishing
Regulation Act'93 and the Marine Fishing Regulation Rules95 are being enforced in
the interest of poor fishermen and to utilize the marine resources.
4.8 Welfare Measures

The Fisheries Department of the Government of W.B. is also engaged in

different welfare programmes for the fishermen under inland, marine and brackish
water sectors. Group Personal Insurance Scheme as a measure of providing economic
security to fishermen and their families against loss of life or permanent disablement
benefit was started in 1984-85. Financial assistance of Rs. 35,000 in case of death and
Rs. 17,500 in case of disablement is extended against annual premium of Rs.l2 only,
which is borne by the Government. Up to the end of the year 2000, the total number
of fishermen under insurance coverage is 1,52,380, the total number of cases referred
for benefits is 572 families and the total number of benefits already given is 539
families while the total amount disbursed is Rs. 12567000. The Savings-cum-Relief
Scheme was introduced in 1998-99 and 5,000 marine fishermen were benefited.
Under this scheme the marine fisherman has to deposit Rs. 45 per month for a period
of 8 months fishing period and to get back Rs. 270 per month during the 4 months
lean period. For the identification of fisherman, the Fishery Department has issued
Identity Cards' to the fishermen. Since 1991-92 about 1,60,000 fishermen have been
issued these identity cards. The 'Old-Age Pension Scheme was started in 1990-91 to
help the old fishermen/women who do not have any other alternative means of
livelihood. Under this scheme, the pension rate was Rs. 100 per month and it was
revised in 1991 to Rs.300 per month. The West Bengal Inland Fisheries Act, 1984 as
amended in 1993 and 1997 have been implemented for the welfare of the fishing

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community and to utilise the water resources in a sustainable manner. Wetlands in
West Bengal have played a crucial role in our eco-system by maintaining a balance
between flora and fauna including fish. But the growing demand for land has made an
adverse effect for the preservation of land water system. Scientists have showed that 3
bighas forest area are equivalent to 1 bigha plank origin in water bodies. These
invisible planks create more oxygen (O2) than the forest of equal area. Thus
pisciculture has a positive effect on ecology. For creating awareness among the
people to conserve wetlands, Fisheries Department, West Bengal marked 16 June i.e.
the first day of Bengali Ashad as Wetland Day. According to the Inland Fisheries
Act to fill up a water body having a size of 5 Katha or more is strictly prohibited.
The first housing scheme was taken up by the Fisheries Department in 1986.
when 25 houses in each of the districts of Midnapore and S-24-Parganas were
constructed. This was followed by a massive programme through Indira Avas Yojana.
The National Welfare Fund for Fishermen constructed some model villages for
fishermen in the various districts of West Bengal. The name of the model village of
Birbhum district is Kalinagar Colony and in Burdwan district it is Purba Satgachi.
Under the Basic Minimum Ser\'ices Programme 13 model villages has been taken up
in the year 1999 for 1,062 fishermen families.
Table 4.6
Achievements of Housing Programme

Name of the scheme No. of houses No. of Employment

constructed families generated (Mandays)
benefited
State plan 50 50 17,000
Indira Avas Yojana 12,797 12,797 44,41,000
National Welfare Fund 1,886 1,886 6,40,900
Source : Department of Fisheries, Government of W. B.
Since fish is a perishable commodity it must be stored up. For this purpose the West
Bengal Government set up 130 ice plants and 36 cold storages with a storing capacity
of 2468 MT. A Dry Fish Processing center has been set up at Junput in Midnapore
district. By using special machines, this center converts the low value fish into a
delicious and hygenic dry fish.

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Sewage Fed Fisheries
This is a unique system of recycling the urban waste into productive use. The
urban waste water can be purified and used for pisciculture. The sewage-fed fisheries
are developed in the eastern fringe of Kolkata Nabadwip and Serampore in the Ganga
Action Plan. This type of fisheries maintain ecological balance. Since there is no
health hazard due to consumption of these fishes sewage fed fish is a major supplier
of fish to Kolkata.
Research and Training

Grassroot level training is essential for the scientific development of

pisciculture and also for the upliftment of the rural community. The State Fisheries
Research and Training Centre is situated at Kulia near Kalyani and the Marine
Fisheries Training Centres are at Namkhana in the district of S. 24-Parganas and at
Shankarpur in the district of Midnapore. To train the fish farmers the state
Government has established one Meenbhavana at each district head quarter.
Meenbhavana works as training cum administrative center. Moreover, during the
training period some amount of remuneration is paid by the Gox ernment to the fish
farmers.

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