The “Siddi” tribes are descendants of migrants from the African subcontinent who arrived in India during the 13th century A.D. They are predominantly settled in the taluk including Veraval, Kodinar, Talala, and Madhavpur in the Gir Somnath district of Gujarat.The Siddis of Saurashtra, along with four other tribes are accorded as "Primitive" group since 1982 because of their pre-agricultural level of technology, extremely low literacy rate, and more or less stagnant population. Traditionally they are the forest dwellers. Sidi tribe of Gujarat belonging to ST community. A total of 74.81 lakh people making up the State’s population, of which 14.76 percent are members belongs to scheduled tribes. Most Siddis are considered to fall below the poverty level, making them one of Gujarat’s most backward classes as they frequently engage in sporadic, seasonal, and ultimately unsustainable jobs and they primarily rely on agricultural pursuits for their means of subsistence. The ICAR-CMFRI Veraval Regional Station has actively engaged the Siddis in the institute’s Tribal Sub Plan Program and the members have been registered under the Bharat Adim Juth Matsya Udhyog Sahkari Mandali who have been actively involved in open sea cage culture of the spiny lobster (Panulirus polyphagus) which has demonstrated consistent success in this field over the years.
A preliminary survey was recently conducted among 100 Siddi families, comprising a total of 525 members residing in Veraval, Jambur, Vithalpur, Talala, Shirvan, Thordi, Khilawad, Surva, Hadmatiya, Prabhas Patan, and Mangrol. For the purpose of the study, one member from each family was selected for the study. Out of the 100 family members selected for the interview, 46% were women and 54% were men. With respect to age distribution, 18% were categorized as young (<35 years), 41% as middle-aged (35–45 years), and 41% as older adults (>45 years). In terms of educational status, 28% were illiterate, 64% had completed primary education, 4% had attained secondary education, and another 4% had pursued college-level education. Regarding employment, 26% were engaged as daily wage labourers (stone, wood, etc.), 18% as agricultural labourers, 10% as farmers, 8% as drivers, 21% in fishing-related occupations (company, shop), 3% in non-governmental organizations, 6% in government services, and 8% in other occupations (including tailoring, housework, business, drumming, etc.) Many of the Siddi youths possess good diving skills and sea endurance, but they face lack of access and support to new and advanced technological interventions to improve their livelihood. This preliminary study highlights the unique demographic profile, socio-economic challenges, and livelihood patterns of the Siddi Adivasi tribes in Gir Somnath district. Strategic