Fisheries of Gumti (Dumboor) Reservoir in Tripura: production, performance and management

Abstract

Gumti (Dumboor) Reservoir, the only reservoir in Tripura, plays a very important role in fish production of the state. In 1978-79 fish production from the reservoir was 169 t from 1.64 lakh numbers of seed stocked. Currently the fish production is 313.2 t with stocking of 19.2 lakh numbers of seed (2011-12). The average stocking density of 712 nos. ha-1 in last 10 years (2002-12) is higher than the recommended stocking density of 400-500 nos. ha-1 for medium reservoirs. The farm gate price received by Gumti fishers is disproportionally low compared to the final consumer price at the terminal market, because of extended marketing channels. The Department of Fisheries (DoF) generates substantial revenue by way of license fees from the Gumti fishers at `75 per capita per year. It is observed that substantial gains in fish production could be achieved if the revenue generated from the license fee is ploughed back for development of the reservoir. Under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) scheme, licensed fishers avail a compensation of. `1200 per head during the 2 months ban period from 1st July to 31st August. The fishers also get nets and boats free of cost from the DoF. The number of licensed fishers increased from 285 in 1978-79 to 2027 in 2012-13. The DoF and Cooperative societies collect royalty on a 65:35 ratio from the fishers, which is used for development of the reservoir and the fishers. Preliminary analysis showed the total income could be `3000 per licensed fisher per month which is little above the income defined as cut off national poverty line (`972). Better management strategies and policies supplemented by scientific culture practices will ensure sustainable and enhanced fish production in the reservoir.