A comparative study of cooperatives in marine fishing village Versova, Mumbai

VERSOVA, originally named Vesave, is a marine fishing village of the Kolis, situated in northern suburb of Mumbai city. The existence of rich fishing grounds for both Demersal and pelagic nearby, resulted into spectacular growth in marine fishing activities in village. Marine fishery is the principal source of livelihood in village involved 3,000 active fishermen and employ about 5,000 people in auxiliary activities. Village engaged more than 300 trawlers and contributes approximately Rs 400 crore annually to the stakeholder’s income. Co-operatives have played a major role in the development of fisheries in Versova. There are three fishermen cooperative societies which are successfully functioning at Versova village. The present article gives comparative insight into role and functioning of these fisheries cooperative societies operating in Versova village. The current article is based on historical facts of society composed through regular interactions and frequent visits to societies. Established eight decades ago on the principle of co-operatives, today all these societies providing various forms of assistance to more than 10609 member fisher folks. The societies basically formed for supply of single services are now providing all type of facilities such as supply of fishing gears, diesel, ice, insurance, marketing facilities, transportation, rations, ferry boat service, auditorium services, subsidy, loan to its fisher members. The historical development of all three societies shows that they moved from single to multifunctional for the welfare of marine fishing community during last eight decades. It is noteworthy that all three societies were performing economically well before the lockdown. However, after lockdown, sale and profit of all three societies is drastically declined. Since decades society who has been involved mainly in marine production related activities along with various other form of businesses has a good economical position and also received awards in abundance. Therefore, the other two societies have been started to working in more than one field to strengthen the financial position and get rewards for the society.