Say rising costs, labour shortage have hit industry
VASCO
Despite a satisfactory fishing season, boat owners in Goa have expressed concern over increasing operational costs and an acute shortage of labour, warning that the traditional fishing industry is facing growing challenges.
Speaking on Monday, Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association president and former minister Jose Philip D'Souza urged the state government to restore the fuel subsidy scheme, stating that it would provide much-needed relief to fishermen and boat owners struggling to keep their operations viable.
D'Souza said that while fish catches during the recently concluded season were encouraging, the benefits were being offset by escalating expenses, particularly fuel costs, which account for a significant portion of fishing operations.
“The fishing season was good and fishermen managed to get decent catches. However, the expenses involved in operating fishing vessels have increased considerably. Fuel prices have risen and it has become increasingly difficult for boat owners to sustain their operations,” D'Souza said.
He pointed out that Goa's fishing sector was at a disadvantage compared to neighbouring states where fuel assistance schemes continue to support the industry.
“Fishing boat owners in Maharashtra and Karnataka continue to receive fuel subsidies, while the scheme has been discontinued in Goa. This has placed our fishermen at a disadvantage despite facing the same challenges as operators in neighbouring states,” he said.
D'Souza also claimed that subsidy dues from previous years were yet to be cleared.
“Earlier, the VAT component on diesel used by fishing vessels was reimbursed under the subsidy scheme. There are still pending dues that need to be released. The government should clear these arrears and restart the subsidy so that fishermen receive the support they deserve,” he said.
Apart from fuel costs, D'Souza highlighted the growing shortage of manpower in the sector, saying many vessel owners were finding it difficult to recruit adequate crew members.
“Labour shortage has become one of the biggest concerns for the fishing industry. Several boat owners are struggling to find workers, which directly affects fishing operations and productivity,” he said.
According to D'Souza, workers from states such as Odisha and Jharkhand have traditionally formed a crucial part of the fishing workforce and remain essential to the industry's functioning.
“The fishing industry requires experienced manpower. Labourers from states like Odisha and Jharkhand have been contributing to this sector for many years and their services are necessary for the smooth operation of fishing vessels,” he said.
D'Souza appealed to the government to engage with representatives of the fishing community and introduce measures that would reduce the financial burden on fishermen.
“If timely support is provided, the fishing industry will continue to thrive and provide livelihoods to thousands of families. The restoration of the fuel subsidy will go a long way in helping fishermen survive and continue this traditional occupation,” he said.
