Value Chain Analysis of Fishery in Puri and Ganjam District of Orissa

Draft Report on “Fishery Supply Chain”
Confidential
Recommendations
“Macho Samastanku Khaiba Ko Dea – Godamwala, Dalal, Paikari Bikrata, Khuchra Vaipari Aevam Bado
Raptanikari, Kebaro keutamanoku Chadi”
B. Raja Behara (Fisherman)
Pentakota, Puri
(The fish feed everyone – the Gaddiwala, the middleman, the wholesaler,
the retailer and the big export houses; except the poor fisherman.)
Based on the study findings, for an intervention in the fishery supply chain by OXFAM, NiMble
recommends a multi-fold approach:
1. Policy Advocacy:
a. NiMble recommends the policy advocacy in terms of the strict enforcement of
regulatory mechanisms by the regulatory bodies.
b. Lobbying for enacting of Act for creation of Fishery Produce Marketing Committees
c. Setting up of FPMC yards at select locales within easy reach of smaller landing
centers looking at financial viability and volumes
d. Establishment of transparent and streamlined auction mechanism under supervision
of a committee consisting of fishermen representative, trade representative and
government officials
e. Strengthening the infrastructure facilities in existing market yards like Balugaonespecially
basic amenities for women players
f. Advocacy for establishment of Community Property Rights over near shore fishing
activities (References can be used from the activity undertaken in Japan and
Philippines for establishment of such community rights)
g. Enacting legislation for disbursement of credit using formal channels i.e. Rural
regional banks, micro-credit organizations
h. Advocacy for policy impetus on the establishment of aquaculture for species other
than shrimp in the local economy – like Tuna, Sea Bass (already under pilot testing in
Andhra Pradesh and Kerala) and other major varieties having export potential
i. Advocating for enactment of legislation providing the first right over catch to fishermen
groups like “Samudram”
2. Strengthening the Existing Supply Chain – Short Term
NiMble feels that at this point in time with some of the interventions that OXFAM is currently
engaged in requires further resource inputs – both financial and non-financial
a. Strengthening the activities under “Samudram” – the Women’s Marketing Cooperative
in Ganjam and replicating it in Puri as well.
One of the major impediments to the financial viability of Samudram is the limited
financial resource that it has. This limits the purchase of the catch and participation in
the auctions. The second is the absence of trained marketer/trader well versed in fish
trade. Third is the inability of the group in having well-established tie-ups with regional
markets and market players. Fourth, again relating to financial resources is the lack of
cold storage or equipment for keeping the product at the various locations for a longer
time. Fifth constraint is the absence of a well worked out transport mechanism. We
feel that OXFAM can support the “group” in all these areas. It could think of replicating
“The Anand Pattern of Dairy Co-operatives Business Model” with suitable
modifications.
Financial Resources – An estimate of the working capital for procurement of fish can
be made and OXFAM can work with micro-credit institutions, NABARD, Regional
Rural Banks etc for flow of financial resources to Samudram as well as to associated
Submitted by -: NiMble System Pvt. Ltd.
Submitted to -: OXFAM (India) Trust 64