Editor’s Note
This article highlights an innovative approach to aquaculture in Kanpur, where traditional fish farming is being augmented with pearl cultivation. By integrating oyster farming into existing ponds, farmers can significantly boost their income, exemplifying a sustainable and profitable evolution in local fisheries.
For farmers in Kanpur, the Blue Revolution is now taking a new turn. The Fisheries Department has launched a unique initiative to promote ‘Pearl Farming’ to make traditional fish farming more profitable. Now, farmers can earn millions in additional income by cultivating oysters alongside fish in the same pond.
Farmer Devendra Verma from Shambhua village in Kanpur has set an example in this direction. He has adopted an integrated model of fish and oyster farming in his pond. The biggest advantage of this technique is that it does not require any major separate resources, thereby reducing costs and multiplying profits.
According to the Fisheries Department, pearl production mainly occurs in three categories: Half Brown, Designer, and Round pearls. Currently, the focus in Kanpur is on Designer pearls, which have high demand in the market.
Production Capacity:
On average, 3 pearls are produced from one oyster.
Estimated Income:
A farmer can earn up to approximately ₹200 from one oyster.
Timeframe:
The process of pearl formation inside the oyster takes about 18 months.
To provide financial support to farmers, the government is offering a grant of up to 50 percent on this project.
Example:
If a farmer starts a project worth ₹10 lakh, involving about 15,000 oysters, they will receive a subsidy of ₹5 lakh from the government.
Nodal Agency:
‘Mani Agro’ has been entrusted with this responsibility in Uttar Pradesh. According to the company’s CEO, Dr. Ayyub, 9 farmers from Kanpur have applied for this grant so far.
Experts say that preparing Designer pearls is slightly easier compared to Round pearls, and their demand in the jewelry industry has increased rapidly. The purchase cost of one oyster is about ₹62.14, while its value multiplies several times once ready.
After success in Bundelkhand, this ‘White Revolution’ is now set to prove to be the most solid means of doubling income for farmers in the Kanpur division.
