The microfinance organizations and self help groups mobilised in marine fisheries sector play vital role in reducing the indebtedness among marine fisherfolk. The study makes an attempt on the assessment of the extent of indebtedness among marine fisherfolk in mechanized, motorized and traditional fisheries sectors and the impact assessment of Microfinance Institutions (MFI) on coastal indebtedness. The study was carried out in four coastal districts of Odisha state. Situational analysis was done through PLA in the selected locations and the sample respondents were selected from mechanized, motorized and traditional sectors. Data were collected through personal interview from members of 12 selected MFIs and non members in these sectors comprising a total of 600 respondents.

Microfinance, indebtedness, credit, self help groups