This paper presents the results of study carried out
during 2009-11, to assess literacy, health and income
status of fishers in India with reference to postharvest
sector which covered fishers in marketing
and processing. The study covered five states and
one union territory, covering 11 districts reaching
548 households. About 52.19% of the respondents
fell in the age group of 36-55. The average male- female ratio was 1.03 and 66.61% of the families
were in the small family category of 2-4 members.
It was observed that the literacy rates among fishers
in post-harvest sector in different states ranged from
63.74 to 95.81%. In general, the literacy rates were
comparable to the national average. Maternal and
child mortality were low in the sample studied and
the average birth weight of infants was 2.68 kg. The
average monthly income was Rs. 7027.45 with a
daily income of Rs. 234.25. About 44.70% of the
households had no savings and 47.81% of households
were in debt