A Review on Pearl Farming: the Rising Trend in India

Pearl farming, the ideal blend of production of gems and water. It is being considered as a practice that has sustainability and innovation that is not only economically but ecologically helpful too. China is the most prominent producer by fresh water pearl cultures in large scale. Behind Japan, there are Akoya pearls- high quality pearls and the exotic black pearls of French Polynesia. These two countries have jointly established a multibillion-dollar pearl industry in the world. Pearl farming continues to be in its nascent stage in India with the initiatives that were taken by the CMFRI (Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute) in starting of 1970. Despite demonstrations that have shown that it is practical through successful experiences with Pinctada fucata and freshwater mussels such as Lamellidens marginalis , the uptake is low. Nevertheless, the prospects are in satisfying the increasing demand of the global and domestic market of ornamental pearl, diversification of aquaculture and the creation of jobs in the rural areas. The pearl farming business in India is facing major challenges such as the technical expertise in surgical nucleation, inadequate infrastructure and high start-up capital despite the potential of the industry being enormous. India can transform this sector by concentrating on research, skill building and by coming up with favourable government policies. This would not only tie in sustainable aquaculture with economic growth but also make the country one of the key international markets in terms of pearl.