Socio-Economic Conditions of The Traditional Marine Fishermen and The Factors Influencing The Fishermen to Practice Mechanization of Fishing in Kanniyakumari District of Tamil Nadu

Fishery sector occupies an important place in the socio-economic development of the fishermen in Kanniyakumari district. The continued changes and up-gradation of existing fishing technologies and modernization helped to increase the efficiency of crafts and gears. It also an important sector in Kanniyakumari district from the standpoint of income and employment generation. The experiences indicate that the growth of the fishing sector stimulates the development and employment in related industries which contribute significantly to the total economic growth of the district. Besides providing direct employment, the industry is also an income generator as it supports canneries, processing establishments, gear and equipment manufacturers, boat yards, refrigeration and ice making plants, and transport services in addition to those working in governmental and private fisher based institutions. Fisheries play an important role in augmenting food supply and raising nutritional levels of the population in Kanniyakumari district. This paper attempts to examine the socio-economic conditions of the traditional marine fishermen practicing mechanization and the factors influencing them to practice mechanization in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu.