Socio-Economic Condition of Fishermen of Samala Village of Chilika Lagoon, Orissa

Fisher folks provide easily digestible cheap animal protein for improving nutritional security of fish eating population by working at the interface of fresh water/sea and the land facing myriad of difficulties. Hence an investigation was carried out on the social structure, livelihood and well-being of down trodden fisher community of Samala village of Chilika lagoon, Orissa during 2008-2009. Data was collected using questionnaires through direct interview and secondary information was collected from government and NGOS. Study indicates that there were 300 houses with 1560 population. Out of which 1540 were scheduled caste and rest 20 are other caste. The female population was higher 61% than the male population 39%. There were 65% BPL and 35% APL families. The age group of 16-60 years contributed to the family income. The average monthly income of the family was Rs- 1500/-. The highest amount of expenditure was due to food 53%. About 9% of the total income was used for maintenance of the boat and net. The percentage of the literacy was 100% and there was little use of alcoholic drink in that village. About 90% of the village people were depend on fishing and only 10% on agriculture and other business. Housing, sources of drinking water, medical facilities, sources of fuel, communication and marketing are discussed in detail in this paper. Socio-economic study of fishermen community and interactions between diversified situations may be helpful in formulating prudent and effective policies for their future.