Indigenous technical knowledge for fish harvesting in Karbi-Anglong district of Assam

Abstract

Most of the inhabitants of the Karbi-Anglong district of Assam, survive on their traditional knowledge base. Livelihood of the people is bound by traditions and the community in general is relatively untouched by modern scientific knowledge on fisheries and allied sector. Documentation and compilation of indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) is of great importance. In the study, a total of 100 fishermen from four blocks were interviewed using pre-tested interview schedule. Accordingly, the study has documented some unique indigenous knowledge related to fish harvesting. ITK regarding fish harvesting, fishing with attractant, piscicidal plants, community fishing, wounding gear and <i>bana</i> fishing were documented. Under fishing with attractant, <i>matia chali, kalpotua chali</i>, pot fishing and crab fishing were documented. Under plant piscicides, <i>smartweeds, karoi </i>tree<i> </i>and<i> moin</i>, were documented. Under community fishing, scare fishing and <i style="">dalbandhi maach mara</i> were documented.