Pearl Culture in India: Biological and Socio-Economic Dimensions Review

Abstract

Pearl culture or pearl farming is an aquaculture method that involves the process of rearing oysters or mussels and synthesizing pearls by biomineralizing. The purpose of this review is to discuss the present situation of pearl farming, issues, and its perspective with references to the changing role of India in the world industry. It is discussed in four main dimensions, including biological, technological, economic, and environmental dimensions, which are used to give a holistic picture of the sector. China, Japan and French Polynesia have also developed large-scale, technology-intensive pearl industries and India is still in its development stage although the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) had made initial efforts in the 1970s. Although experimental trials with Pinctada fucata and freshwater mussels (Lamellidens marginalis) have been successful, lack of skills in surgical nucleation, lack of adequate infrastructure, and expensive capital requirements remain barriers to growth. The review is relevant as it gathers available literature and outlines measures to be taken to enhance the pearl farming industry in India by enhancing research, capacity building and policy support. The development of these spheres can help India to combine the concepts of sustainable aquaculture with economic growth, then it can become a new pearl player in the world market.