Manipur farmers can venture into freshwater peal cultivation as the Manipur Technology Innovation Hub (MTI-HUB) has made a major breakthrough in Manipur’s aquaculture and scripted a success story by using locally available mussels (Lamellidens marginalis) in pearl culture.
TFM Report
Good news for Manipur farmers looking for unique and profitable farming ideas! Now, they can venture into freshwater peal cultivation as the Manipur Technology Innovation Hub (MTI-HUB) has made a major breakthrough in Manipur’s aquaculture and scripted a success story by using locally available mussels (Lamellidens marginalis) in pearl culture.
Home to the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, Loktak Lake, Manipur has great potential for freshwater pearl farming, which could open a new era in the state’s aquaculture with minimal impact on local ecosystems.
Speaking to the media at MTI-HUB, Ajit Kumar Ng, dean of Biological Science, MTI, shared that the two-day training program on freshwater pearl farming was held on July 29 and 30 of 2024. The program equipped local farmers and entrepreneurs with the skills to venture into a pearl farming, covering crucial techniques like mollusk selection, pearl implantation and sustainable aquaculture methods, he added.
For the first time in Manipur, participants have now successfully launched pearl farming projects in local water bodies, marking a historic moment for the state, he said.
He explained that the introduction of freshwater pearl farming offers a new and sustainable income source for farmers in Manipur, integrating aquaculture with existing agricultural practices.
“This pioneering initiative not only boosts economic prospects for rural communities but also promotes environmentally friendly business models, ensuring minimal impact on local ecosystems”, said Ajit. With hands-on experience from the program, farmers are now poised to contribute to the region’s growing reputation in innovative agricultural practices, he added.
On prospects of pearl culture in Manipur, Ajit said Manipur has a lot of potential as mussels (Lamellidens marginalis) used in pearl culture are locally available in the state.
Innovation in aquaculture and pearl cultivation techniques can boost yield and quality, making pearl farming more efficient and profitable, while enhancing market competitiveness, he said.
Increasing consumer interest in affordable luxury items, particularly pearls, drives strong demands in jewellery markets, the cosmetic industry offering significant sales, the potential for pearl farmers, he said, adding that increasing market value of freshwater pearls in jewellery, handicrafts and export, with the expansion of business in a foreign country.
In a statement, MTI-HUB said it remains committed to supporting farmers as they embark on this new journey. The organization has plans for follow-up programs, continued mentorship, and the creation of market linkages to help farmers tap into both national and international pearl markets. This success reflects MTI-HUB’s broader mission of driving sustainable development and economic growth in Manipur.