Research Studies on Fisheries Extension

• The socio-personal variables associated with adoption of constraints in the use of improved technologies were listed. The mean adoption index of improved practices for mechanized fish trawler owners was 42.29 with a standard deviation of 5.16. Among fish curers, the extent of adoption was 28.35% and the adoption behavior of curers in large and small curing centres did not differ significantly.
• The comparative technological profiles of fishermen operating plywood crafts, dug out canoes and plank built crafts were prepared.
• For calculating the decision-making behavior index scores, the responses from 50 traditional fishermen were obtained on each of the six selected technological practices and correlates were analysed.
• Technological changes among the fishermen measured and the impact perception due to the technological changes were determined.
• Different adoption of technological practices was measured among fishermen operating plank built crafts and catamarans in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• Technological gaps were measured with reference to ten improved practices among 119 fishermen operating non-motorised fishing crafts and 114 fishermen operating motorized fishing crafts.
• In order to measure the socio-economic status among fishermen, a scale has been developed and used for measurement in fishing villages.
• Forty four key communicators were identified and their characteristics were analysed.
• Extent of adoption of quality control practices was found to be high (80.92%) among the shrimp freezing factories. Variables influencing the extent of adoption of quality control practices were determined and a prediction equation was fitted.
• Information needs of fish processors were evaluated and of the 40 specific subject items, the information quotients were low (23.6 to 37.2%) in only seven subject items.
• The overall average fish productivity among fishermen operating plank built crafts in three fishing centres varied from 526.81 to 553.46 kg. per day of fishing and the variables which had positive correlation were determined.
• A project for training 400 traditional fisherpersons for skill upgradation in fish processing in different parts of the country at a cost of Rs.8.10 lakhs was sponsored by the department of Food processing industries, Ministry of Agriculture. The programme was implemented at Cochin, Calicut, Mumbai, Vishakpatnam and Veraval and was very successful.
• On an average, the fishermen operating FRP crafts at Quilon had obtained a fish productivity level of 155 kg. per fishing day with a value of Rs. 1794/- . For the fishermen at Veraval Centre at Veraval the fish Productivity level was 91.5 kg. per fishing day with a sale value of Rs.1690/-.
• The average awareness index among the fish processors was quite high (98%) and the respondents were well aware about the 15 hygienic practices to be used in the prawn peeling units. The adoption index mean score was about 81% among the small scale pre-processors and among the factory controlled units the mean adoption index was 100%.
• Among the aqua farmers studied in four districts of Kerala, the extent of adoption scores were higher for the following six practices. (i) Preparation of ponds (93.15%) (ii) Eradication of predators/ weeds (85.39%) (iii) Use of PCR tested seeds (84.47%) (iv) Use of recommended feeding schedule (77.63%). (v) Water exchange and quality monitoring (71.69%) and (vi) harvesting after prescribed days of culture (70.32%)
• In the study on training needs of extension officials , the results revealed that in the Kerala sample, the mean training need scores were high for all the seven subject areas of fishery technology and the average training need index score of the respondents was 71.78%.Among AP officials , the average training need index score of the respondents was 61.17%. The average role performance index scores were 57.43% and 57.71% and the scores did not vary significantly between the two states.
• The socio?personal characteristics of trainees and the effectiveness of training methods were studied and the results revealed that lecture + demonstations + discussion methods were found to be more effective than demonstration + discussion methods in changing the knowledge, attitude and skill scores of trainees.
• The DST Funded Project ?Action research on community based coastal zone management with specific involvement of women? was officially inaugurated at Chellanam, a fishing village near Cochin,on 16 October 2004 by Hon?ble Minister for Fisheries and Sports , Kerala, Shri.Dominic Presentation. Under the project, a one-day workshop and five PRA programmes were conducted on sea erosion, responsible fishing methods and coastal pollution and cleaning, in order to assess the needs and problems of the local people. Training programmes were organized for women groups on preparation of value added products, preparation of newspaper carry bags, mushroom cultivation and the preparation of fruit jam and pine apple squash besides the production of milk based products such as chocolates, ice cream etc. Four summer camps were conducted for 60 school children to sensitize them on the issues concerning coastal zone production and to make them aware of their role in the management of natural resources.