If you take a walk around the irrigation tanks of Thiruvannamalai district between May and August, you will notice a quiet but steady rhythm of activity. Coracles glide across the water, nets are cast, and by evening, baskets of Catla and Rohu make their way to local markets. This is the season when fish farming comes alive here, bringing with it not just protein but livelihoods for dozens of families.

However, like any agricultural pursuit, the story of a fish farmer in this region is a mix of seasonal hope and persistent challenges. Here is a look at the current livelihood status based on recent developments and on-ground realities.

The Seasonal Cycle: How the “Tank Fishing” Model Works

In villages like Azhinjalpattu and Edapalayam, fish farming is not a year-round activity but a well-orchestrated seasonal one. The season typically runs from May to August. Why these months? Fishermen and officials point to three reasons: the gradual reduction of heat, the rise in water levels due to the southwest monsoon, and lower evaporation rates which maintain adequate oxygen levels in the water.

The Operational Scale:

• Stocking: Tanks maintained by the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) are stocked with fast-growing varieties like Catla, Rohu (Roya), and Mithila. Approximately 2,000 fingerlings are released per hectare of water .
• Manpower: In tanks like the one at Melathikkan, about 18 fishing units operate. Each unit consists of two fishermen working together in a coracle.
• Daily Catch: Each team targets a haul of about 20 kg per day, pushing the total daily output to roughly 500 kg during the peak of August 

For the fishermen involved, this translates to daily wages. It isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but it provides a reliable source of income during the monsoon break from agricultural labor.

The Economics: Profit Margins and Success Stories

To understand the potential of this sector, one doesn’t need to look at government data but at farmers like Arumugam from Pudumallavadi village (near Thiruvannamalai). He represents the entrepreneurial face of aquaculture in the district.

Arumugam switched from running a timber saw mill back to composite fish farming after facing power cut issues. His model is different from the tank fishing model; he uses private ponds. Here is the math he shared regarding his one-acre pond.

Particulars	Amount (Rs.)
Total Fish Yield (approx 3 tons)	4,50,000
Total Expenditure (Feed, Fingerlings, Labor)	1,00,000
Net Profit (Direct Selling to Customers)	3,50,000

However, Arumugam notes a crucial pain point: Marketing margins. If he sends his fish to the wholesale market, middlemen and transport costs cut his profit down to roughly 2 lakhs. Selling directly from the pond (“Lafa” or net cages) allows him to keep the fish alive and command a better price of 150-180 per kg 

Government Support and Institutional Help

The livelihood of these farmers is heavily supported by a network of government and research bodies. It is not just about giving out fish seed; it is about providing the tools to fish.

In September 2025, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) organized a sensitization program specifically for Scheduled Caste fishers along the Thenpennai River in Tiruvannamalai. During this event, coracles were distributed to five fishers to strengthen their fishing practices 

Similarly, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Thiruvannamalai is very active. In 2025 alone, they distributed five coracles, three deep freezer boxes, 50 ice box and two mobile carts to cooperative societies. The deep freezers and carts are a game-changer they allow fishermen to store their catch without spoilage and sell value-added products (like fish cutlets or soup powder) directly in villages, increasing their profit margins.

Beyond Selling Fish: The Shift to Value Addition

A fascinating development in the district is the move from merely selling raw fish to value addition. Recognizing that tribal and rural women need livelihood options, KVK Thiruvannamalai conducted training programs in areas like Thandarampattu.

Women are being trained to convert the day’s catch into:

• Fish Cutlets
• Fish Soup Powder
• Fish Fingers

This serves a dual purpose: it reduces post-harvest losses (since fresh fish spoil quickly without widespread cold storage) and allows families to earn more by selling ready-to-cook products.

The Final Verdict

The livelihood status of fish farmers in Thiruvannamalai district can be described as “Subsistence Plus.”

• For Tank Fishermen: It is a reliable seasonal wage that provides food security and prevents migration during the lean agricultural season. It is structured, monitored by the Fisheries Department, and provides daily cash in hand.
• For Private Pond Owners (like Arumugam): It is highly profitable but requires capital investment, land, and fodder management.
• For Tribal Communities: It is an emerging sector with training support moving them from mere catchers to value-added sellers.