Pearl Producing Sites in India: India has a rich history of pearl production, with several regions known for their pearl-producing sites. In India pearl fisheries are carried out from the past. The traditional areas (Gulf of Mannar and Gulf of kutch) which had produced natural pearls are which are located in the Gulf of Mannar (Tamil Nadu) and Gulf of Kutch (Gujarat) but today there is limited production. The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) of the Government of India succeeded in culturing pearls and a project was started at the Vizhinjam centre, near Thirvananthapuram (Kerala). Many efforts were made in Gujarat for the production of pearls. Also the successful experiments in 1994, Rajasthan also hoped to produce cultured pearls from its Southern lakes. Dependence on imports sometimes results of production is in delays and higher costs. However, most of the cultured pearls that India requires have to be imported from Japan and China. Production is also dwindling in Japan. At latest India has to efforts for import quality pearls from Myanmar (Burma). Oriental pearls have been coming from old inland collections.
Pearl Producing Sites in India:
Here are some of the prominent pearl-producing areas in India.
Gulf of Mannar:
Located between India and Sri Lanka, the Gulf of Mannar is renowned for its pearl fisheries. The city of Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) in Tamil Nadu is a major hub for pearl diving and processing. The pearls from this region are known for their luster and high quality. ‘Pearl Producing Sites in India’
Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
These islands in the Bay of Bengal are home to pearl oysters and have a long tradition of pearl harvesting. Particularly, the islands of Havelock and Neil are known for their pearl production.
Palk Bay:
This is a shallow sea that lies between the Indian mainland and the island of Sri Lanka. Palk Bay is home to a variety of marine life, including pearl oysters. Pearl farming has been practiced in Palk Bay for centuries. ‘Pearl Producing Sites in India’
Rameshwaram:
Located in Tamil Nadu, Rameshwaram is another important pearl-producing site in India. The nearby Palk Bay region is known for its pearl fisheries, and pearl diving is a significant occupation for the local fishermen. ‘Pearl Producing Sites in India’
Krishna River Basin:
The Krishna River, which flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, is known for its freshwater pearl production. The village of Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park in Andhra Pradesh is particularly famous for its pearl cultivation. ‘Pearl Producing Sites in India’
Bihar:
The state of Bihar in eastern India has a long history of freshwater pearl cultivation. The Ganges River and its tributaries, including the Kosi and Gandak rivers, are known for their pearl-producing potential. ‘Pearl Producing Sites in India’
Baroda:
This is a city located in the state of Gujarat. Baroda is a major center for pearl farming in India.
In addition to these major sites, pearl farming is also practiced in other parts of India, such as the states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Maharashtra. Now a days in India Pearl Culture (farming) in states like Thane (Maharashtra), Bharuch (Gujarat), Bangalore (Karnataka), Begusarai (Bihar), Chitrakoot (Madhya Pradesh), Allahabad ( Uttar Pradesh), & Raipur (Chhattishgarh).
The pearl industry in India is a growing industry, and the country is now one of the leading producers of pearls in the world. The pearls produced in India are known for their high quality and beautiful colors. The Indian government is supporting the pearl industry by providing subsidies and other assistance to pearl farmers. The government is also working to promote the export of Indian pearls to other countries. The pearl industry in India is a major source of employment and income for many people. The industry also helps to generate foreign exchange for the country.
Most of the pearl oysters are live on the ridges of rocks or dead comis (secreted by many species of polyp) they are forming extensive pearl banks or at the depth of 18 to 22 metres at a distance of 19 km from the shore. The pearl oyster beds along the east coast are more extensive and much productive than the west coast of India. These pearl beds produce best quality of pearls called as ‘Lingha Pearl’. ‘Pearl Producing Sites in India’
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| Gulf of Mannar |
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| Gulf-of-Kutch |