Socio-economic Perspective of Fish Marketing in India

Prof. G. Parthsarathy Memorial Lecture

Abstract

This memorial lecture, delivered in honour of Prof. G. Parthasarathy, reflects on fish marketing in India through a socio-economic lens, highlighting its neglected status within agricultural marketing discourse. While fisheries has grown rapidly and contributes significantly to India’s Gross Value Added, fish marketing remains shaped by structural vulnerabilities arising from perishability, limited storage, price instability, and the dominance of informal marketing arrangements. India ranks as the world’s second-largest fish producer, with inland fisheries contributing nearly three-fourths of total output. Yet, the livelihoods of fisherfolk particularly traditional communities remain insecure and marginalized.

The lecture underscores that fish demand in India is not uniform but is strongly influenced by geography, food culture, caste practices, and consumption habits. In several regions, fish functions not merely as a commodity but as a staple embedded in identity and daily life. The marketing chain is typically layered, involving fishermen at landing centres, local auctioneers, wholesalers, and vendors, resulting in a major disparity between consumer price and fisher income. Traditional fishermen, using low-capital gear, are increasingly disadvantaged compared to mechanized operators and corporate aquaculture players.

A key emphasis is placed on the social marginalization of fishing communities and the especially precarious position of fisherwomen vendors, who face “double marginalization” due to both gender and occupational stigma. The lecture argues that market modernization and policy frameworks have not adequately addressed fish marketing concerns, despite recent reforms in agricultural marketing. It concludes by advocating improved market infrastructure, transparent licensing, cooperatives/SHGs for fisherwomen, regulation of unfair trade practices, and targeted policies to ensure equity, dignity, and sustainability in fish marketing systems.