Author(s):

Imtiyaz Qayoom, Maqsooda Akhtar, Shabir A Dar, Sameena Khan, Nasir Hussain and Bilal A Bhat

Abstract: Present study investigates the socio-economic status of two fisher communities along River Jhelum in Sopore and Baramulla regions of district Baramulla. A total number of 256 fishers were selected randomly around River Jhelum in Sopore (152 fishers) and Baramulla (104). The socio-economic information was collected through personal interview method on a well structured pre-tested schedule developed for the purpose. The data collected was subjected to statistical analysis using descriptive statistics and chi square (χ²) test. The study revealed that most of the people involved in fishing belongs to age group of 41-50 years with a significant difference in literacy rate (p<0.05) in both the communities. In terms of monthly monetary gains, the overall poor economic conditions in both the fisher communities were noticed with highest frequency distribution falling under 10,000 – 15,000 rupees a month. A meagre return from the capture fisheries has enforced them to switch over to other professions of labouring, fruit vending, auto driving, snack and barbeque selling. Besides the problems of illiteracy and poor economic conditions, the problems of credits, taken by them for various purposes was found a hurdle for their upliftment. Among the social problems faced by fishers were caste bias, residential seclusion, inter castes marriages and non- acceptability of being religious or social heads. The overall study revealed that fisher communities of these two areas are poor for which steps need to be taken for their upliftment.

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