Exploring the Potential of Inland Fisheries in Belagavi District, Karnataka, India: A Review of Status and Constraints

Abstract

Belagavi district is one of the finest in terms of availability of water resources and irrigational networks in Karnataka. The district also has higher population of stake holders in the fisheries sector and required governmental set up functioning the district. However, the growth of fisheries sector has stagnated due to over fishing in natural water bodies and no interest to utilize the existing resources for ‘fish farming’.  Aquaculture activity is limited to fishing in natural water bodies and some leased tanks, leading to stagnation in production. Change in the perception about the sector among the rural youth, private investment and entrepreneurship efforts will boost the growth of the sector. This study compiles secondary data and institutional inputs to assess current status, bottlenecks, and future prospects. It’s an effort to explore the resources available, fish production pattern, limitations to achieve the growth and possible measures to be adapted in order to tap the complete potential of sector in the district.