ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Challenges Towards Sutainable Fishing Practices River Fisher Communities

ABSTRACT This research examines the issues of sustainable fishing practices for livelihood and post-harvest management among fisher communities upstream the Kali River. The study follows a descriptive and analytical research design and is grounded on the primary data which will be gathered using 150 respondents using structured questionnaires and conducting personal interviews, and this will be supported by secondary data in the form of literature sources. The results show that falling fish harvest, credit inaccessibility, seasonal joblessness, and climate change are the most important triggers that negatively impact the socio-economic stability of fisher families. Regarding post-harvest management, a high percentage of fishers rely on instant sale because of insufficient storage and preservation equipment, and hence, a high level of post-harvest losses with majority of the respondents having losses of more than 20 percent. Older preservation techniques like sun drying and smoking are still in use but are ineffective in preserving quality. Additionally, the research identifies a significant knowledge and adoption gap of better post-harvest practices mainly because of lack of access to training, infrastructure and financial resources. These results highlight why there is an urgent requirement that can be achieved through integrated policy interventions such as building cold chain infrastructure, better market connections, financial inclusion, and capacity building programs to minimize losses, improve income, and lead to sustainable livelihood outcomes among fisher communities.