Quality of Life Assessment of Dry Fishing Producers: A Case Study at Junput and Adjacent Area, Purba Medinipur

Author(s)

Abstract:

Dry fishing is an old method of preserving fish. In coastal communities, it is very common, particularly among marginalised groups. For millions of people worldwide, dried fish is a vital source of protein and a means of subsistence, particularly in developing nations like Bangladesh, the Philippines, and some regions of Africa. In India, the fishing industry is regarded as one that is expanding quickly. Currently, although fish productivity has grown throughout time, the fishing community's economic circumstances remain unchanged. Fisheries' daily income is very low because fishing generates a very low profit margin, and this occupation is not continued all over the year round, that's why fisherman works at other vocations in addition to conducting fishing. The present study focuses on quality of life assessment of dry fishing producers at Junput and the surrounding village in the Kanthi coastal region, Purba Medinipur, which has been recognised as a prominent dry fish producing area in West Bengal, India. Several parameters like housing conditions, source of drinking water, literacy rate, etc, are used to assess the quality of life. A sample of 137 was surveyed during this work. The weightage sum method is used for this study. The findings underscore the deteriorating socio-economic conditions of fish producers, highlighting the need for infrastructure development and sustainable practices.

Keywords:

Dry fishing Socio-economic disparity Coastal livelihood Quality of life Seasonal unemployment

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Cite this article:

Hazra, B., Chakraborty, A., & Dey, N. (2025). Quality of Life Assessment of Dry Fishing Producers: A Case Study at Junput and Adjacent Area, Purba Medinipur. Dandakaranya Review Journal, 1(1), e520812. https://www.dandakaranya.com/read/DARI520812

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