Some insights into the credit transactions of small - scale fishers along the Kerala coast, India

Abstract

This study examines the fishery credit delivery system in the state of Kerala that mainly involves informal players such as auctioneer-middlemen, third-party shareholders and private money lenders; and formal sources such as Matsyafed societies, co-operative banks, commercial banks and non-banking financial entities. The main features and credit contract conditions associated with each major type of credit source is discussed and their share in the credit basket of ring seine vessels is assessed empirically based on sample survey data collected from major landing centres. The findings from the study throw several insights into the general state of affairs related to Kerala’s fishery credit delivery system and provide some policy prescriptions for improving the service delivery