What is a fishery cooperative?

A fishery cooperative is where fish workers pool their resources to undertake fishing and related activities.

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Which was the first fishery cooperative in India?

The fishery cooperative movement in India began in 1913, when the first fishermen society was

organized under the name of 'Karla Machimar (Fishermen) Cooperative Society' in Maharashtra.

 

What is the structure of fishery cooperatives in India?

The fisheries cooperatives in India is developed into a four tier structure operating at village, district, state and national levels.

 

What is the state of fishery cooperatives in Maharashtra?

The state of Maharashtra has wide network of primary fishermen cooperative societies which is spread in almost each district throughout the state. Every district has its own fishermen cooperative federation encompassing the primary fishermen cooperative society.

 

What is the objective of State federation?

The objective of these federations is to serve as vital link between the entire fishermen’s cooperative sector on the other. They should also provide liaison between the fisheries cooperatives and the rest of the cooperative sector in the state as well as the concerned commercial and trading organizations. These federations should, in consultation with the state Government frame, policies and give policy guidance to the structure below. They could also take up some residuary business operations and give technical guidance in matters like culturing of fish, establishment of cold store, freezing facilities, boat building and repair facilities.

 

Does Maharashtra have a State federation of fisheries cooperative?

Yes, it is called as Maharashtra State Fishermen Cooperative Federation.

 

What is the history of Maharashtra State Fishermen Cooperative Federation?

• This federation was founded in 1950 with the striving efforts of Shri. Chandraji Koli, Adv. Shantaram Vesavkar, Shri. Namdeo Vesa ar and others the Mumbai Rajya Shahkari Sangh. The federation started with fish wholesaling at Mahatma Phule Market.

• After formation of separate Maharashta State on 01st May, 1961, the federation was renamed as Maharashtra State Fishermen Cooperative Federation. The activities this federation used has to perform then were – fish selling, cotton fibre net shop, coir fibre and wholesale shops.

• In 1972, market renovation was done (Chatrapati Market). Fish sale was initiated at Bhausaheb Vartak wholesale market where license for fish sale were issued. In this market both marine and fresh water fishes were sold.

• During this time the federation became the apex body of fisheries cooperatives and 28 district fishermen cooperative federations became member of apex body.

• In 1983, the apex body started fish seed supply as per requirements of district federations and primary fishermen cooperative societies.

• During 2005, after introduction Value Added Tax (VAT), supply of nets and other material was stopped and the rights were handed over to district offices of state fisheries department.

• The objective of Maharashtra State Fishermen Cooperative Federation is to serve as a vital link between the entire fishermen’s cooperative sector.

 

Where is the Head Office of Maharashtra State Fishermen Cooperative Federation?

The head office of Maharashtra State Fishermen Cooperative Federation is in Mumbai.

Address:

443, Ground Floor, Cement Chawl, Madhavrao Rokde Road, Mandvi Koliwada, Mandvi, Masjid (W), Mumbai- 400 009.

Contact no.: 022-22617164/61

 

What are the various divisions of Maharashtra State Fishermen Cooperative Federation?

The state federation/apex body has six departments –

1. Head Office: This department is backbone of the federation. Department wise financial management is done at the head office. Enforcement of all the decisions made by the board of directors is done at head office.

2. Fresh fish division: In this department fish sale is carried out. The fishes are procured from the registered boat owners and members of cooperative societies. The federation charges commission on the fish sold. In this division marketing of fish caught from marine fishing, Ujjani reservoir, Khadakwasla dam and nearby dams is carried out.

Address: Shri. CHatrapati SHivaji Maharaj Market, Crawford Market, Mumbai.

1. Industrial goods division: This department was defunct for last six years. The reason for this is the government order enforced in the year 2010, that mentions that the cooperative societies should procure the nylon fibre net from Department of Fisheries. But it was observed that, many fishermen cooperative societies are facing problems in procurement of fishing nets, therefore, federation restarted this department to fulfil the demand of fishermen in 2018-19. Presently, the federation is in capacity to fulfil the demand of fishermen for procurement of nylon fibre nets.

Address: 443, Ground Floor, Cement Chawl, Madhavrao Rokde Road, Mandvi Koliwada, Mandvi, Masjid (W), Mumbai – 400 009. Contact no.: 022 – 22617164/61.

1. Diesel division: This division started in 1985 when the Vice President of the federation Mr. Jatiram Barve was elected as Member of Parliament. Under this division diesel is provided to the fishing vessels in marine areas. Diesel supply to fishing vessels of Mumbai, thane and Raigad districts covering 12 fishermen cooperative societies is done. The registered fishing vessels at the inception of this division were 442 numbers which has substantially increased to 650 in 2018. Diesel supply limit for each vessel is 2500 – 3000 litres. The supply of diesel on weekdays is 4-6 tankers of 20 KL, whereas, 8-12 tankers on weekends. The federation owns two tankers and six pumps. The federation is top diesel seller in India for Indian Oil Corporation.

Address: Navin Bhaucha Dhakka, Mazgaon, Mumbai – 400 010, Contact no.: 022 – 23737678.

1. Ice factory division: The ice factory division is started in 1986. The ice factory of federation is located at Taloja, Navi Mumbai. The division has 100 tonnes capacity Ice Factory and 100 Tonnes capacity of cold storage. The ice is supplied to processing industry situated in Taloja area.

Address: M-74, MIDC, Devi Pada, Taloja, Panvel, Dist. Raigad, Contact no.: 022 – 65106635.

1. Ice distribution division: Ice is purchased at Rs.1750 per ton and sold to fishing vessels at Rs. 1900 per ton. The federation get Rs.150 per ton as commission. Everyday ice is sold to 40 to 50 fishing vessels. It is a credit business.

Address: Navin Bhaucha Dhakka, Chamar Godi, Mazgaon, Mumbai – 400 010. Contact no.: 022 – 23737678.

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What does Maharashtra State Fishermen Cooperative Federation envisions to establish in future?

The federation looks forward to take up activities such as

• Navy training

• Coast Guard training

• Ban on light fishing

• Reservoir leasing policy

• Diesel under bulk category

• The federation has taken 100 acre shrimp farm for 30 years on lease at Khatali in Kelve, Dist. Palghar and aims to establish training centre, laboratory, waiting room and office.

• Establishing 100 ton capacity fish meal, fish oil and surimi plant at the unused land of ice factory at Taloje. (Estimated cost – 5.85 crores)

• Galati dam in Jalna district is taken on lease for 15 years and federation aims to establish a training centre nearby this dam.

• Establishing 05 divisional offices in Nagpur, Amravati, Latur, Nashik and Ratnagiri with facilities such as wholesale market, storage, waiting rooms, training centres, vehicles and staff. (Estimated cost -7 crores)