Prayagraj: From traditional crops to exotic fruits like dragon fruit and strawberries, farmers in Uttar Pradesh are now spreading their wings beyond centuries-old tracks as they embark on pearl farming. Following the concept of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, farmers in the Pratappur and Chakka blocks in the Prayagraj district started pearl farming with the help of the land conservation department.
The dams owned by villagers have become breeding grounds of pearls, giving them extra income. In this unique initiative, the seeds of the pearls are left in the pond, and after the 18-month gestation period, bright, shiny pearls are harvested.
According to district land conservation officer Gaurav Prakash, ‘we contacted a firm in Rajasthan that supplies the seeds at Rs 40 per seed. The firm also passes on the technique for the proper maintenance of the seeds, including maintaining the level of TDS (totally dissolved solvent), sewage and feed from time to time. When the gestation period ends, the crop is bought by the same firm at the price of Rs 100 per pearl. ”
He further said that ‘about 20 months ago the first trial was held in Bhogwara village in the Pratappur block, where a villager released 40,000 pearl seeds into the dam. After 18 months, he sold the product in December last year for 27 million Rakhla. ”
The department has trained 150 female volunteers, many of whom are members of self-help groups (SHGs) working in the Trans-Yamuna area where there is scarce water.
The firm, which has signed a contract with the administration, leads and leads farmers of the district in pearl farming. The farmers are also trained to sort pearls according to the size and quality so that they can get a good price for their products.
‘Some of the members of SHG’s have come forward and are ready to buy the pearls and manufacture jewelery from them, as this may increase their profits. There is a lot of potential in pearl farming because it is no problem for farmers to find a dam that is 22 meters by 20 meters in area and three feet deep, ‘said Gaurav Prakash.
The official announced that the seeds will be released during two periods of the year, in November-February and in August-October.
Source: Telangana Today