Exploring livelihood issues and challenges of indigenous people of Anamalai, Parambikulam Aliyar Basin during the pandemic

The rain-fed and indigenous agroecosystems face multitudes of challenges. This chapter deals with the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on farming communities of Anamalai, Parambikulam Aliyar Basin in Tamil Nadu. Rapid Rural Appraisal Tool following Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) methodology was used to understand the impact of pandemic-induced lockdowns on cultivation. Socioeconomic details of 300 farmers were gathered from agriculture office, Anamalai. Key questions were prepared in “Tamil” and responses were collected. The survey reveals that 43.9% of farmers' perceived difficulties due to pandemic during the Kharif–Kuruvai period. Labor shortages were felt by 54% of the farmers during the lockdown in 2020. Around 58% of the respondents perceived difficulties during groundnut sowing;89.7% of the farmers had alternative livelihood as coping mechanism. The KAP survey revealed that the indigenous, diversified livelihood options have supported them during the pandemic and revival of it is crucial. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Impact of COVID-19 on Dry fish Production and Marketing from India

Drying is one of the oldest known techniques for preservation of fishes. Dry fish is a commodity which has demand both within and outside India. Indian dry fish exports contribute 7.45% to the total marine product exports valued at USD 156.94 million during 2020-21. The COVID-19 imposed lockdown led to disruptions in several segments of the economy and dry fish sector was no exception. The dry fish production is carried out as a small-scale activity along the coastal belt of the country providing source of livelihood for thousands of fisherfolk especially women. The dry fish value chain involves many players starting from fresh fish supplier, dry fish processor, dry fish agent, wholesaler, retailers and consumers. Owing to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown enforced from 24th March 2020, small scale dry fish processors suffered losses which have been estimated to the tune of Rs.0.5 to 1 lakh per month depending on the capacity of the unit. Women involved in household drying of fish experienced losses amounting to Rs.10,000 to Rs.12,000 per month. The dry fish exports from India, although seasonal has also registered a decline during the first three months of the pandemic and ensuing lockdown period. This paper presents an assessment of the impacts on the dry fish sector in the country.