Aquaculture farmer organizations and cluster management: concepts and experiences

87
Appendix 2
Revival of abandoned ponds
The disease outbreak in the 1990s led to large-scale abandonment of shrimp ponds in 
Andhra Pradesh and other states. Prior to this, farmers had earned good returns despite 
not focusing heavily on good management practices. Through NaCSA’s demonstrations 
and activities, farmers have been encouraged to revive abandoned ponds and start 
shrimp farming again. Over 50 societies have been organized in Krishna District of 
Andhra Pradesh, where one-third of shrimp farms had been abandoned. So far, 79 
societies (totaling 1 914 farmers and covering 2 074 hectares) have been established in 
abandoned areas. It is hoped that 100 000 hectares of abandoned shrimp ponds will be 
revived in the next two years.
Food security and sustainable livelihoods
The development of small-scale coastal aquaculture in India through the farmer society 
model is enhancing the socio-economic condition of rural communities. Direct as well 
as indirect employment opportunities are arising out of increased shrimp production 
and marketing, especially for women who are involved in more delicate tasks such 
as transfer of seed and segregation of juveniles. Increased employment and rising 
income of shrimp farmers through increased profit (Table A2.3) has great potential to 
improve livelihoods, food security, and stimulate pro-poor economic growth through 
consumption linkages and the multiplier effect.
Empowering small-scale farmers and giving them “voice”
By working together with farmers in the same locality, sharing information and 
experiences with each other, and building their individual and collective capacity to 
produce good-quality shrimp in a sustainable manner, society farmers are becoming more 
empowered, with increased self-esteem of farmers being highlighted during interviews 
with society presidents. Increased interaction among farmers, improved community 
dialogue and more opportunities for mutual help have created goodwill among farmers 
and enabled capacity building and development. Cooperation and a collective approach 
have also enabled shrimp farmers to be more responsive to environmental concerns and 
forged strong unity in dealing with common problems (e.g. desilting of drains) (Umesh 
et al
., 2008). Through this process, farmers have emerged from a situation where they 
were passive recipients of information, services, policies and assistance to now taking 
responsibility for and playing an active role in their own development. By being part 
of a larger group, farmers now have more power to access good-quality inputs, services 
and markets, interact with stakeholders, and have a stronger voice overall. This voice 
is shown by their increased access to and involvement with policy-makers and other 
public and private institutions that are taking their concerns and ideas seriously. Two of 
the society presidents are members of NaCSA’s Governing Council, enabling them to 
influence the strategic direction and activities of NaCSA, as well as having a direct link 
to policy-makers to ensure the concerns of small-scale farmers are heard and addressed. 
Recently, society farmers have also experienced a higher profile in the media, further 
supporting their feeling of empowerment and a new-found voice.