Kochi/Chennai, Sept. 20 -- Women constitute nearly half of India's small-scale fisheries workforce, feeding millions and sustaining livelihoods across coastal and inland communities, according to a new study. A total of 4.8 million women engage in small-scale fisheries in the country, accounting for four out of every 10 people involved in the sector, the study by Global Illuminating Hidden Harvests of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations said. Their contributions span the value chain, including 27% in pre-harvest activities such as net-making and boat operation; 18 per cent in harvesting; and a significant 55 per cent in post-harvest handling, processing, and trade, the study noted. IHH provides a snapshot of the contributions of small-scale fisheries to sustainable development. The study was discussed at the three-day regional meeting of Bay of Bengal rim countries, jointly organised by the FAO and the BOBP-IGO in Chennai, according to a statement issued on Friday. Women's work ensures that the sector not only delivers nutrition but also supports family incomes and local economies, BOBP said, quoting the study. It estimates that India's small-scale fisheries generate USD 2.3 billion annually from first sales of catch, with women central to processing and marketing fish. Experts warned that women's contributions remain undervalued in policies and governance frameworks. Presenting India's country report, deputy fisheries commissioner Sanjay Pandey said inland fisheries continue to surge while the country's marine fish production has stagnated. htc...