This paper deals with the socio-economic variables of reservoir
fishermen, their levels of attitude, knowledge and adoption, and the variables
associated with the extent of adoption of technology practices . The study was
conducted in two fishing villages viz ., Larbhanga and Sanutikira in Hirakud
reservoir area . The average annual income of fishermen in Sanutikira centre
(mean : Rs . 52,900) was significantly higher than the fishermen in Larbhanga
centre (mean : Rs . 34,500) . Of the 13 variables, fishermen in the two villages
had differed significantly only on 6 variables . The extent of adoption of
technological practices in the two villages did not differ significantly . About
27 % of the respondents in Larbhanga and 11 % in Sanutikira did not own
any fishing craft, and all the respondents had owned fishing gear. The
differential characteristics of reservoir fishermen operating three categories of
nets, viz ., gill nets, shore seines, and gill net combinations were evaluated .
Investment on fishing craft and fishing nets, number of family members and
risk preference were found to have positive and significant correlation with
the extent of adoption of technological practices .