Hazaribag Becomes India's First Pearl Farming Cluster: Government Initiative Boosts Rural Livelihoods

Hazaribag: Hazaribag is set to be developed as the country's first and only pearl (moti) cluster, with the fisheries department stepping up efforts to transform the district into a model hub for pearl farming and allied activities.Director of fisheries Amarendra Kumar, along with deputy director Shambhu Prasad Yadav, inspected ongoing pearl cultivation projects in the district on Saturday and reviewed training-cum-demonstration programmes being conducted by experts from Ranchi.During the visit, the team toured the pond cluster developed in the Daurwa-Kundwa area, where women self-help groups are being actively encouraged to take up pearl farming. Officials also pushed for the formation of an all-women farmer producer organisation (FPO), underlining the role of women in strengthening rural livelihoods.Fisheries director Amrendra Kumar said Hazaribag has immense potential for pearl farming, which is why the Govt of India has identified it as the country's only pearl cluster.He said that the state govt is making efforts to develop Hazaribag as a model cluster at the national level. For this, the department and district administration are preparing a phased plan that includes connecting more farmers, promoting the use of modern technology, and ensuring direct market linkages.“The involvement of women will not only boost self-reliance but also strengthen the rural economy,” Kumar said.The team later inspected cage culture operations at Tilaiya reservoir in Bundu under Barhi subdivision. Officials appreciated the integration of pearl culture along the periphery of cages and stressed scaling up this model to enhance farmers' income through diversification.Officials said the Centre has identified Hazaribag as the only pearl cluster in the country, aiming to promote scientific utilisation of water resources and generate employment, especially among rural youth and women.DC Hemant Sati said the district administration is working towards developing Hazaribag into a ‘model pearl hub’ at the national level. “A phased plan is being prepared to connect more farmers, promote modern techniques and ensure direct market linkages,” he said.