ASSIGNMENT -FISHERIES EXTENSION AND FISHERIES

COOPERATIVES

Submitted by,
Aiswarya Sali
Fisheries Officer staff trainee
57 th Training batch
NIFAM, Aluva
Extension Education
Planning Commission (1953) : Extension education is a continuous process designed to make
the rural people aware of their problems and indicating to them ways and means by which
they can solve them. It, thus, not only involves educating the rural people in determining
their problems and the methods of solving them, but also inspiring them towards positive
action in doing so.
Fisheries Extension
Fisheries extension is the process of providing education, technical assistance, and support
to fishers, fish farmers, and other stakeholders to improve their knowledge, skills, and
practices related to fishery resources management, fish farming, and sustainable fisheries
development. It involves transferring scientific research, modern technology, and best
practices to the fisheries community to enhance productivity, profitability, and
environmental sustainability.
The main goal of fisheries extension is to bridge the gap between research institutions and
fishers by promoting sustainable fishing techniques, resource conservation, and efficient
management practices. It also aims to uplift the livelihoods of fishers by enhancing their
technical know-how, improving their access to resources, and empowering them to adopt
new and improved practices.
Objectives of Extension education
The fundamental objective of extension is to develop rural people socially, economically and
culturally by means of education . It is realised by increasing the productivity levels of farm
holdings and improving the standard of living of rural people.
Principles of extension education
1. Principle of grass root approach.
2. Principle of co-operation and participation.
3. Principle of voluntary education.
4. Principle of teaching methods.
5. Principle of local leaders.
6. Principle of trained specialists.
7. Principle of satisfaction.
8. Principle of whole family approach.
9. Principle of democratic approach.
10. Principle of cultural difference.
11. Principle of learning by doing and seeing is believing.
12. Principle of local resources.
13. Principle of need-based programme.
14. Principle of aided self help.
15. Principle of evaluation.
EXTENSION TEACHING METHODS
Introduction
Extension teaching methods are the tools & techniques used to create situations in which
communication can take place between the rural people & the extension professionals.
These are the methods of imparting new knowledge & skills to the rural people by drawing
their attention towards such technologies, thereby arousing their interest and helping them
to have a successful experience of the new practice. A proper understanding of these
methods and their selection for a particular type of work is necessary.
Classification of Extension Teaching Methods
According to use
One way of classifying the extension methods is according to their use & nature of
contact vis-a-vis interpersonal, group and mass communication. Based upon the nature of
contact, they are classified into following categories:
Individual-contact methods
Extension methods under this category provide opportunities for face-to-face or person-to-
person contact between the rural people and the extension professionals. These methods
are very effective in teaching new skills and creating goodwill between farmers and the
extension professionals.
Group-contact methods
Under this category, the rural people or farmers are contacted in a group which usually
consists of 20 to 25 persons. These groups are usually formed around a common interest.
These methods also involve a face-to-face contact with the people and provide an
opportunity for the exchange of ideas, for discussions on problems and technical
recommendations. In this way, the future course of action is finalized.
Mass or community-contact methods
An extension professional has to approach a large number of people for disseminating
information and helping them to use it. This can be done through mass-contact methods
conveniently. These methods are more useful for making people aware of the new
technologies, quickly.
According to form
Extension teaching methods are also classified according to their forms, such as written,
spoken & audio-visual.
Classification of extension-teaching methods according to their form

Written Spoken Object or visual

Bulletins General & special Result demonstrations

meetings

Leaflets, folders, news Farm & home visits Demonstration plots

articles

Personal letters Official calls Motion-pictures or movies,

charts

Circular letters Telephone calls, radio Slides & film-strips, models,

exhibits

A brief description of some of the extension methods which are commonly used by
extension professionals is given below:
Farm & home visit
Farm & home visit constitutes the direct or face-to-face contact by an extension professional
with the farmer or the members of his family. During these visits, information is exchanged
or discussed. The visits may be to get acquainted with the problems of the farmers. Such
visits provide an opportunity for a two-way communication.
Method demonstration
It is used to show the technique of doing things or carrying out new practices e.g.
constructing a biofloc tank, installing aerators, proper pond preparation, water quality
testing, hygienic fish handling, fish feed preparation etc. This method is usually used for
groups of people.
Result demonstration
Result demonstration is meant for proving the advantages of recommended practices and to
demonstrate their applicability to the local conditions. It is conducted by a farmer under the
direct supervision of an extension professional. It is designed to teach others, in addition to
the person who conducts the demonstration. It helps the farmers to learn by seeing & doing.
Examples ;demonstrating the benefits of integrated fish farming, the use of specific fish
breeds (e.g., genetically improved tilapia), the superiority of using fish feed pellets over
traditional feed, or the success of cage culture in local water bodies.
Group discussion
All the farmers cannot be contacted by extension professionals individually because of their
large number. It is convenient & feasible to contact them in groups. This method is
commonly known as group discussion. It is used to encourage & stimulate the people to
learn more about the problems that concern the community through discussion. It is a good
method of involving the local people in developing local leadership & in deciding on a plan
of action in a democratic way.
Exhibition
An exhibition is a systematic display of information, actual specimens, models, posters,
photographs, and charts, etc. in a logical sequence. It is organised for arousing the interest
of the clientele in the things displayed. It is one of the best media for reaching a large
number of people, especially illiterate & semi-literate people. Example Showcasing new fish
species for aquaculture (e.g., Pangasius, tilapia), model biofloc or recirculating aquaculture
system setups, posters explaining best practices for water management in aquaculture, or
charts detailing value-added fish products (e.g., dried fish, fish pickles).

Campaign
Campaign is used to focus the attention of the people on a particular problem, Examples:
campaigns on fish conservation, awareness of harmful fishing practices (e.g., using dynamite
or poison), promoting the benefits of fish farming, awareness about the dangers of
overfishing, or campaigns for vaccination of fish stocks against diseases like Epizootic
Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS). Through this method, maximum number of farmers can be
reached in the shortest possible time. It builds up community confidence and involves the
people emotionally in a programme.
Field tour
Conducted tours for farmers are used to convince them and to provide them with an
opportunity of seeing the results of new practices and products, skills, etc. and to give them
an idea regarding the suitability & application of these things in their own area. Examples:
tours to fish hatcheries, successful aquaculture farms practicing biofloc or RAS, integrated
farming systems (fish-cum-duck farming), or visits to fish processing plants where value
addition is done.
Print media
Newspapers, magazines, bulletins, leaflets, folders, pamphlets and wall news-sheets are
another set of mass media for communicating information to a large number of literate
people. They are used for communicating general & specific information on a programme of
technology or a practice. Examples: leaflets on proper pond management, bulletins on fish
disease control, pamphlets on the benefits of cage culture, or newsletters that highlight
fisheries schemes and subsidies.
Radio
It is one of the most powerful media of communication. It is a mass medium of
communication and can reach a large number of people at any given time involving the least
expense. Extension professionals use the radio for communicating information on new
methods & techniques, giving timely information about the control of animal diseases such
as WSSV ,weather, market news, etc. For this purpose, talks, group discussions, folk-songs,
dialogues & dramas are usually broadcast. There are radio programmes broadcast by All
India Radio (AIR), FM (frequency modulated) radio, community radio, etc.
Television
It combines both audio & visual impact and is very suitable for the dissemination of
agriculture & dairy information. It is more useful in teaching to do a specific job. A beginning
has been made in India for using this medium for development programmes and it is
expected that its use will become more extensive in the coming years. At present, along with
the Government-owned channel (Doordarshan), several other private channels are
telecasting various kinds of entertainment and developmental programmes to reach the
viewers.
Leaflet
A leaflet is a single sheet of paper used to present information on only one developmental
idea in a concise manner, using simple language.
Folder
A folder is a single piece of paper folded once or twice, and, when opened, the material is
presented in sequence.
Pamphlet
A pamphlet is an unbound single sheet of paper that is printed on both sides, printed in
colours with action photographs, giving full information about a topic in greater length than
in folders or leaflets.
Bulletin
A bulletin is a publication of around 20 pages, with the primary objective of giving complete
information which the intended readers can apply to their own situation.
Booklet
When the extension material exceeds 20 pages and is less than 50 pages, it is called booklet.
Here’s a rewritten version of the **Use of ICT in Fisheries Extension** with specific
examples for each technology:

1. Mobile Applications and SMS Alerts

Mobile apps provide fish farmers with real-time information on managing fish farms, water
quality, feeding schedules, and disease control.
 Example:The mKRISHI® Fisheries app in India offers advisory services like water quality
testing, fish disease management, and best practices for feeding, allowing farmers to
enhance productivity. The Tata Trust’s AquaApp sends regular SMS alerts about weather
conditions, fish seed availability, and tips for pond preparation in Kerala.

E-Learning Platforms and Web Portals

E-learning platforms offer online courses and training programs for fish farmers on new
aquaculture technologies, sustainable fishing practices, and market trends.
Example: The Blue Revolution Knowledge Portal by the Government of India provides free
resources and training modules on topics such as biofloc technology, marine fish farming,
and shrimp aquaculture. FishBase, an international portal, provides comprehensive
information on over 30,000 fish species, helping fish farmers select the best species for
cultivation.
3. Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing
GIS and remote sensing tools help fish farmers and extension workers identify suitable sites
for fish farming, monitor aquatic ecosystems, and assess the health of water bodies.
Example: ICAR-CIFRI (Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute) uses GIS to map fishing
zones, assess habitat health in inland waters, and identify potential risks like pollution.
Remote sensing technology is applied to monitor the Chilika Lake in Odisha for water quality
and biodiversity conservation efforts.

4. Telecenters and Kiosks

Telecenters and rural kiosks provide fish farmers with internet access to check market
trends, receive advisory services, and access information about new fisheries technologies.
Example: In Andhra Pradesh, the Fisheries Telecenters set up by the Department of Fisheries
allow fish farmers to access training videos, online market price updates, and disease
diagnostic tools. AquaShops, established in several states like Kerala and Gujarat, provide
fish seed, feed, and technology advisory services to farmers.
5. Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms are used for knowledge sharing, networking, and problem-solving
among fish farmers and extension workers.
Example: Facebook groups like Aquaculture India or Fish Farming Success Stories provide a
space for farmers to ask questions, share best practices, and discuss new technologies.
WhatsApp groups formed by local fishery departments send updates on government
schemes, training programs, and market prices to farmers in remote areas.
6. Radio and TV Broadcasting
ICT includes community radio and TV programs for disseminating fisheries-related
information to a wider audience.
Example: AIR’s Kisan Vani broadcasts fisheries information in local languages to farmers
across India, including topics like seasonal fishing bans, best practices in aquaculture, and
disease prevention methods. The TV program DD Kisan features success stories of fish
farmers, practical demonstrations on biofloc technology, and government schemes for
aquaculture development.
7. Market Information Systems (MIS)
Market Information Systems (MIS) provide real-time data on fish market prices, demand,
and supply trends to help farmers make informed decisions on when and where to sell their
products.
Example: The e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) online trading platform allows fish
farmers to check fish market prices across India and sell their products directly to buyers,
eliminating middlemen. In Kerala, the Kerala Fish Farmers Network (KFFN) shares regular
market updates and price trends through their website and mobile app.
8. Drone Technology
Drones are increasingly used in aquaculture for monitoring large ponds, assessing water
quality, and detecting potential issues like algae blooms or oxygen depletion.
Example: In Andhra Pradesh, drones are being used to monitor aquaculture ponds and
check for irregularities in water quality. Drone footage can detect algae blooms, which
threaten fish health, or areas where water circulation is poor, allowing farmers to take
immediate action.Tamil Nadu Fisheries University has started experimenting with drones to
inspect coastal fishing areas for illegal practices.
9.Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Big Data analytics and AI are used to analyze large datasets in fisheries to predict fish
growth rates, disease outbreaks, and market trends.
Example: Eruvaka Technologies in India has developed AI-powered IoT devices that monitor
water quality, predict fish health issues, and automate feeding schedules based on the
behavior of fish in shrimp farms. This not only reduces feed costs but also improves the
health and growth of the fish.
10. Blockchain Technology
Blockchain ensures traceability and transparency in the fisheries supply chain, helping to
monitor the journey of fish from farm to consumer and preventing illegal fishing practices.
Example: Provenance, a blockchain technology company, has partnered with fisheries in
Indonesia to track fish through the supply chain. This system allows consumers to trace the
fish they purchase back to the source, ensuring it is sustainably harvested. In India, some
seafood exporters are using blockchain to ensure compliance with international quality
standards and to authenticate their products in the market.
Fisheries Co operatives
Development of fishery industry offers big opportunity for exploitation of fishery resources
of the coastal as well as inland waters. Though fishermen have a very high potential, the
fishermen continue to remain as the weak section. They are exploited by the middlemen.
Institutional safeguards would be very effective against such exploitation. Fishery
cooperatives are considered to be the best means of ameliorating the socioeconomic
conditions of the fisher folk. Fishery co-operatives would enable the fishermen to develop
an institutional structure through which they can avail themselves of financial and technical
assistance to increase the catch of fish and gain a bargaining power for securing better price
and thus improving their economic conditions.
The aim of the fishery cooperatives is not only to increase fish production but also to
improve the fishermen. It will generate employment opportunity in fish processing, fish
drying and fish curing etc. They also facilitate the movement of fish from the coastal areas to
the marketing centers and make fish available to the consumer at a fairly reasonable prices.
Types of Fishery Co-operative Societies
Broad types of fisheries cooperatives operational in different Indian states are as follows
types 1. Producer’s cooperative societies: Aims at production of goods and services based
upon common ownership and management by a group of workers to eliminate the
employee-employer relationship.
2. Fish consumer’s societies: These are composed of agricultural workers and the middle
class people who run a consumer store where fishes can be purchased at the wholesale
prices and sold at market or lower price to the members.
3. Fisheries credit societies: These voluntary and mutual aid associations provide credit to
their members on personal security or on the basis of nominal security.
4. Marketing cooperative societies: Run by the small producers for the promotion of their
trade by selling the goods at reasonable prices and by eliminating middle men.
5. Insurance cooperative societies: To minimize the risk of their members and their produce
these societies negotiate with insurance companies. Individual and group insurance policies
for its member are purchased at comparatively lower premium.
6. Transport cooperative societies: They provide the services of vehicles and transport to
their members at comparatively lower rates.
7.Storage cooperative societies: They provide storage facilities to their members for
perishable items.
Objectives of the Fisheries Co-operative Societies
 Providing livelihood to more and more people in coastal areas through smooth fishing
business.
 Intensification of fish production through introduction of mechanized boats.
 Supply of mechanized boats on credit to members of Cooperative.
 Supply of essentials like Kerosene, nets etc. to the fishermen.
 Maintenance of facilities and services like boat building yards, ice plants, cold storage,
canning plants, transport vehicles.
 Proper marketing of fish and fish products and by-products.
 Recovery of loans from sale price of fish products, etc.
 Up-liftment of socio-economic status of fishermen and women.
Organisational structure of Fisheries Co operative Societies
In the co-operative fisheries sector existing today with the primary fishery co-operative at
the base having individual fisherman as members followed by federation of primary fishery
societies at the district or regional level and the state federation of the latter at the apex
level.
Administration in Fisheries co operative society
The general meeting of members is hold once in a year and deals with such items of
business as:
Election of the board of directors.
 Appointment of internal auditors.
 Approving the proceedings year’s statement account and balance-sheet.
 Allocation of profits.
 Fixing the limit of borrowing by the society
 Fixing the maximum credit limit of each member of the fishing team.
 Framing rules for collection.
 Storage and auctioning of fish.
 Consider the audit memo and other correspondence received from the Co-operative
department.
 Administration mainly through Directors Board in this totally 13 members in which
one is from Co-operative Financing Agency and another one is Director of Fisheries.
For the purpose of running the administration of the society, the board can
constitute on Executive Committee consisting of 4 persons viz. Chairman, Two
members of board,
  Managing directors.
 Efforts to strength fishery co-operatives:
National co-operative Development Corporation (NCDC), New Delhi.
1. NCDC played a significant role in strengthening fisheries co-operatives by providing them
assistance for building up of their share capital, establishment of service and repair centers
for boats, setting up of canning units, fish oil and meal plants, net making units,
construction of godowns, drying yards etc. To augment the development of fishing co-
operatives, NCDC has formulated a comprehensive policy for providing assistance to fishery
co-operatives for different purposes that include-
2.  Purchase of operational inputs such as fishing boat nets and engines.
3.  Creation of infrastructure facilities for marketing (transport vehicles, cold storages, retail
outlets etc.
4.  Setting up of processing units including ice plants, cold storages etc.
5.  Development of inland fisheries, seed farms, hatcheries etc.
6.  Preparation of feasibility reports.
7.  Appointment of experts under technical and promotional cell schemes.
8.  Integrated fisheries projects (marine, inland and brackish water
9. 2. National Fisheries Development Board (NFDC), Hyderabad.
10. NFDB, established in 2006, aims
11.  To realize untapped potential of fisheries sector,
12.  To augment fish culture,
13.  To promote fish processing and marketing,
14.  To promote application of modern tools of research and development for optimizing fish
production,
15.  To provide special care and financial assistance to fishermen societies, Cooperative
bodies, women, SC/ST, weaker sections, and under developed regions.
16.
17. MATSYAFED
18. Matsyafed, The Kerala State Co-operative Federation for Fisheries Development Ltd., was
registered on 19th March 1984 as an Apex Federation of primary level welfare societies in
the coastal fishery sector with the objective of ensuring the economic and social
development of the fishermen community by implementing various schemes aimed at
promoting the production, procurement, processing and marketing of fish and fish
products.
MATSYAFED's mission is to enhance the economic and social well-being of Kerala's
fishermen through direct interventions in fish production, procurement, and marketing.
Guided by a vision of sustainable and productive fisheries, MATSYAFED works hand in hand
with Kerala's fisherfolk to protect and replenish fishery resources. Over the years, it has
pioneered innovations in investment, production, and marketing while fostering the
upliftment of fishing communities. The organization’s integrated strategy focuses on
providing affordable credit, ensuring fair fish procurement, supplying quality fishing
equipment, and training fisherfolk in the latest technologies. Through partnerships with
financial institutions and initiatives like interest-free loans for fisherwomen, MATSYAFED is
dedicated to improving productivity and eradicating poverty, helping the fishing
communities merge with mainstream society.