Abstract

Women play a significant role in the fishery sector. They financially support their families and manage their domestic responsibilities at home. The present research paper focuses on the everyday struggles faced by fisherwomen of Pulicat lake in Tamil Nadu. The findings of the study reveals that there is a huge increase in export of aquaculture products. While the fishermen catch fishes in the deep sea, fisherwomen ensure that it is preserved and sold properly. The study proves that fisherwomen of Pulicat Lake are being exploited by the middlemen and commission agents who took commissions. It is unfortunate that the economic contributions of fisherwomen are not recognized in the Gross Domestic Product of India. The researcher recommends that the government of Tamil Nadu should eradicate the interference of middlemen and recognize the economic contributions made by fisherwomen in the national economy of India.

Keywords: Exploitation, Fisherwomen, Pulicat, Middlemen, Commission agents