Tangled web of problems

In the last fortnight, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami wrote three letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his help in the release of 44 arrested Tamil Nadu fishermen and 141 seized boats from the custody of Sri Lankan Navy. The letters were written immediately after each successive arrest and boat seizure. 

While this has become a recurring feature for the public and the press, a talk with a cross section of fishermen, traders and consumers reveals that other than those involved, not many are aware of other related issues, which have not received much attention, due to the Palk Bay issue concerning the neighbouring island nation. 

NJ Bose, state general secretary, of the Tamil Nadu Kadoloara Visai Padagu Meenavar Sangam said, “Fishing is now a risky business and the returns are not as expected.” When the catch reaches the shore, fishermen, lacking the time and acumen for business, appoint brokers, called “mediators.” These agents get upto Rs 50 per kg of fish sold to private parties, who then ferry the load to distant areas, where customers are charged amounts which include the transportation cost and the mediator’s commission. “At the end of the day, fishermen get around Rs. 20,000 as profit per month after deduction of costs for diesel, labour and other incidental expenses,” he added. 

With boat size and engine power increasing, the government allocation of 1,500 litres diesel at subsidised rates is not sufficient, as a trip lasts more than three days at Rameswaram. The same can extend upto 12 days for boats from Chennai’s Kasimedu. Strangely enough, the Kochi based NIFPHATT (National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Training and Technology) according to its website, has charted the Western coast on availability of various fish species, but has not done so for the Eastern seaboard. 

When contacted, State Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar, agreeing that various fishermen related issues were looked at in isolation, said, “No comment or promise can be made now, as the Legislative Assembly is in session. Also, the issues need a policy decision. The fishermen’s associations have highlighted their grievances seeking an end to their problems.” Agreeing that he had received petitions on fishing related issues, he added, “We will try to carry them along in all our decisions.”