Paradip, Sept. 11: In a departure from practice, women are venturing into river and creeks to take up fishing activities in coastal villages of Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur districts.

Undertaking fishing either in the sea or rivers was earlier the exclusive preserve of men. However, women have also taken the plunge in the domain now to augment family income.

Women in traditional fishing communities were earlier indirectly a part of the fishing operation.

"A large number of fisherwomen have come forth in Ramnagar, Batighar and Kharinasi gram panchayats of Mahakalpada tehsil," said the former sarpanch of Ramnagar gram panchayat Bijoy Shukla.

"It's a strenuous and demanding job. At first, I found it difficult to fish in rivers with a strong current. Gradually, I picked up fishing techniques such as spreading the nets and dragging it to net the catch. My spouse gave me company in the beginning. Later, I did it all alone as I picked up the skill," said 38-year-old fisherwoman Namita Mandal from Ramnagar village.

"Fishing is our main source of income. I fish in the sea. The returns from marine fishing are dipping because of frequent rough sea conditions and the enforcement of fishing prohibition from time to time. It has become difficult to eke out a decent living from sea fishing nowadays. To support the family, my spouse expressed interest in inland fishing. I was a bit hesitant at first. I was doubtful that she would be able to take it up. Gradually, she honed her skills under my guidance. Now, she is an expert fisherwoman. Our monthly income has doubled now," said traditional marine fisherman Himanshu Mandal from Ramnagar village.

Inspired by Namita, more women are now coming forward to take up fishing.

"As far as I know, at least 30 women have tried their hand successfully in inland fishing. Their endeavour has supplemented their family income," Himanshu added.

Marine officers in the area are lauding this new trend. "Women play a major role both in marine and inland fisheries. But their involvement often gets overlooked. They are mostly involved in fish vending, fish drying, prawn peeling, sorting, grading, fish packing, and net making. It's reassuring to see that women are now venturing into rivers, creeks and water inlets to catch fish. Women empowerment of this nature will no doubt provide a facelift to the fisheries economy of these villages," said assistant fisheries officer (marine) Manoranjan Mohapatra.

Fisherman arrested

Forest personnel have taken a fisherman into custody on the charge of trespassing into the prohibited waters zone of Bhitarkanika National Park.

A patrol squad of forest officials arrested the fisherman, identified as Rajendra Jana, and seized his boat from the waterbody near Pravati village on the fringe of the hitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district on Saturday.