Strengthening Livelihoods for Traditional Fishermen in Savali
Fishing has been the traditional occupation for several families in Savali Grampanchayat in the Murud region. For many fishermen such as Deepak Krishna Thakur, Alpesh Bhau Patil, Dilip Krishna Thakur, Bhau Laxman Patil, and Kiran Krishna Thakur, the lack of their own fishing boat limited their ability to earn a stable livelihood. Despite their experience and hard work, they were forced to work as labourers on boats owned by others, receiving only daily wages while the larger share of profits from the catch went to the boat owners. This situation made it difficult for them to improve their financial condition or provide long-term security for their families. Recognizing this challenge, Janvikas Samajik Sanstha, with support from Worley Services India, provided the fishermen’s group with a fishing boat to enable them to operate independently. With ownership of the boat, the fishermen are now able to venture into the sea on their own, catch fish, and sell their produce directly in the market. This has significantly improved their income and ensured that the value of their hard work remains with them. The intervention has also strengthened their sense of dignity, ownership, and confidence in sustaining their traditional livelihood.
“Earlier we worked on other people’s boats and earned only daily wages. Now we have our own boat, and the income from our catch supports our families. This support has truly changed our lives.”
— Deepak Krishna Thakur and fellow fishermen, Savali