Communication Sources Used by Fish Farmers and Field Extension Functionaries in Floodplain Wetland Fisheries of Assam: A Comparative Study

A study was carried out in 106 floodplain wetlands of Assam with the objective of ascertaining the preference of communication media use by the fishers of floodplain wetlands and extent of their use by field extension functionaries. Two categories of respondents namely 106 lessee fishermen and 30 officials lower level field extension functionaries constituted the sample of the study. The findings revealed that the interpersonal communication sources like consultation with FEO/Beel manager was the most important sources for obtaining information by fishers. Demonstration and consultation with progressive farmers were assigned second and third rank. Field extension functionaries preferred group discussion as the main source of communication followed by Demonstration. The study has brought out that the interpersonal communication channels are still prevalent among the fishers of Assam.