Socio-economic Indicators are Linked to Ecological Outcomes: Insights into the Lives of Fish and Shrimp Farm Workers in West Bengal

This study examines the socio-economic status of fish and shrimp farm workers in West Bengal (W.B.), a state with a significant role in fisheries due to its extensive coastline and diverse aquatic ecosystems. While most existing research focuses on fish and shrimp farmers, there is a notable gap in understanding the conditions of farm workers. Socio-economic indicators such as income, education, and employment are closely linked to ecological outcomes, influencing resource use, consumption, and environmental sustainability. The study aims to fill this gap by profiling the socio-economic characteristics of workers in two key fisheries districts, Purba Medinipur and South 24 Parganas. Data were collected through interviews with 180 workers (90 fish and 90 shrimp farm workers), focusing on factors such as age, education, religion, caste, residency, marital status, work experience, income, and household facilities. The findings indicated that majority of workers were Hindus, with an average age of 34 years for fish farm workers and 30 years for shrimp farm workers, most having primary education. Notably, 65.55% of fish farm workers were locals, while 71.11% of shrimp farm workers were migrants from other states. Farm related experience varied from 5 to 10 years. About half (52.22%) of fish farm workers lived in pucca (made of brick/concrete) houses and 47.78% shrimp farm workers resided in semi pucca (made of mud/thatch and concrete) houses. The average monthly income was ₹10,655 for fish farm workers and ₹9,888 for shrimp farm workers, with fish farm workers incurring higher personal expenditures (One US $ = 84.07 ₹ i.e., Indian Rupee). Additionally, shrimp farm workers had a lower percentage of personal insurance compared to their fish farm counterparts. While incomes were below the national average, they were slightly above the state average. Statistical tests revealed no significant difference in age of fish and shrimp farm workers. However, fish farm workers had statistically significant higher working experience, monthly income expenditure compared to shrimp farm workers. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions. The socio-economic conditions of farm workers, are closely tied to resource consumption and environmental effects, functioning as important ecological indicators for assessing sustainability for which more research focus is required.