Migrant Workers Dominate Kerala's Fishing Sector, But Face Exploitation and Uncertainty

Strategic Insights -

Kerala's marine sector has become increasingly dependent on migrant workers, who make up 58% of the state's fishing workforce. A study by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute reveals significant disparities between native and migrant fisherfolk, including differences in income, lifestyle, and expenditure patterns. Migrant workers are more likely to remit a large portion of their income back to their families, often living in boats with minimal spending on housing and amenities. Despite their dominance, migrant workers face exploitation, health risks, and lack of social security.

Key Takeaways:

  • Migrant workers account for 58% of Kerala's fishing workforce, with Munambam harbour in Ernakulam district having the highest concentration of migrant labourers (78%).
  • Most migrant workers are from Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Odisha.
  • Only 12% of native fishermen cited employment opportunities as the reason for entering into fishing, compared to 50% among migrants.
  • Migrant workers tend to remit up to 75% of their income to their families back home.
  • Migrant incomes are consistently lower than those of native workers, averaging Rs 25,000/month in harvest centres and Rs 11,000 in post-harvest jobs.
  • Migrant workers face exploitation, health risks, and lack of social security, while native labourers face constraints such as insufficient income, indebtedness, and lack of credit interest.

Statistics:

  • 58% of Kerala's fishing workforce are migrant workers.
  • 78% of migrant labourers in Kerala's mechanised fishing sector are concentrated in Munambam harbour.
  • 50% of migrant workers cited employment opportunities as the reason for entering into fishing.
  • 75% of migrant workers remit their income back to their families.
  • Rs 25,000/month: average income of migrant workers in harvest centres.
  • Rs 11,000/month: average income of migrant workers in post-harvest jobs.
  • Rs 30,000/month: average income of native workers in harvest centres.

Sources:

  • "ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute" is cited as the source of the study, but the specific name of the institute is mentioned. However, the exact name is ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).
  • Article not providing any other sources, only distributed by Contify.com