Prospects of Livelihood Enhancement through SHGs in Fisheries Sector of Kashmir Region

The development of fishing community in general and fisherwoman community in particular has been the need of the hour in view of different developmental programmes initiated by governmental and non-governmental organization across the valley. The research work envisaging the applicability of self-help groups (SHGs) in fishing community was designed and undertaken suggest strategies for development of SHGs among fishers. The research study was carried out in Tailbal area of district Srinagar of Kashmir region in Jammu and Kashmir. The Tailbal area comprises of 200 fisher households having an approximate population of 1000 people. The sample used in the research work constituted of 100 fisherwomen and a pre-tested interview schedule was administered to get the responses from the respondents. During the course of study fisherwomen were comprehensively interviewed in order to get an insight into their interest and attitude towards formation of SHGs. The results revealed that the fisher women had very less information about the SHGs and the benefits of forming SHGs. However, post awareness campaigns the fisherwomen community of the Tailbal area were motivated to be part of such groups in order to help the fisherwoman community in general and society in particular. The results also revealed that the fisherwomen had faith in governmental schemes because of the previous positive experiences so they felt that initiative like formation of SHGs can be of great help for them in overcoming the challenges at personal and professional front. Fisherwomen being very active and equal partners in fishing enterprise know the importance of saving money, securing loans and thus majority of them showed their willingness to form the fisher SHGs.