Large-scale development of freshwater fisheries in Sri Lanka coincides with the postindependent
wave of irrigation developments. Though studies on irrigation
development in Sri Lanka are abundant, information on fisheries industry shows a
limited availability. This study attempts to analyze the reciprocal contributions of
irrigation and inland fisheries industry by comparing trends and pattern of spatial
differences of freshwater fish consumption in Sri Lanka and those of irrigation
developments and inland fisheries industry.
Estimated population and irrigation development indicators such as reservoir
area, irrigated area and cropping intensity as a proxy to water availability were used
to describe the trends in irrigation developments. Data from Consumer Finances and
Socioeconomic Survey of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for different periods were used
to construct indicators for different sample zones. Inter-zonal and inter-period
comparisons were conducted to identify changing patterns of fish/meat
consumption.
Fish consumption in rural areas has continued to increase along with the
increasing availability of irrigation infrastructure. At present, freshwater fish contribute
to 41% of all fish and 15% of animal based foods consumed by consumers in irrigation
districts. They also incur substantially lesser expenses for fish than consumers in other
zones, indicating freshwater fish as an affordable and easily available protein source.
Irrigation development activities provided the essential infrastructure for
implementation of government programs on inland fishery development. Growing
populations in irrigation settlement areas contributed to a more visible fishery industry
in inland areas of the country. Although a conflict between fishermen and farmers is
visible in some areas, the contribution by irrigation to development of inland fisheries
industry is clear. In return, abundance and affordability of freshwater fish contribute to
increased food security of rural masses suggesting that they are mutually co-existing
systems.