A hard, glistening object is attracted to the ancient kings and is also one of the most desirable jewelry items for women. So, the demand for pearls is also high, but the demand can be fulfilled naturally. So, the solution is culture or farming. And yes, farming oysters for pearl production is the most effective way. Now let’s find out how.
How oysters produce pearls
As a natural defense against an irritant like a parasite entering their shell or harm to their delicate body, freshwater and saltwater mussels produce pearls.
The aragonite and conchiolin layers that make up the oyster’s or mussel’s shell are gradually secreted by them. This results in the formation of a substance known as nacre, commonly referred to as mother-of-pearl, which encases the irritant and shields the mollusk from it.
To encourage the formation of mother-of-pearl, an irritant is manually placed into a snail during the commercial growth of pearls.
Perfect timing for Oyster farming
Autumn, from October through December, is the best time of year to cultivate pearls. In a pond that is at least 10 by 10 feet or bigger, beads can be grown. A tiny pond of 0.4 hectares can generate pearls from up to 25000 oysters for pearl farming. Oysters must first be procured by the farmer from ponds, rivers, etc., or they can be bought.
Oysters must be harvested by the farmer from ponds, rivers, etc., or they can be bought. Following this, simple or patterned beads with a diameter of four to six mm, such as Ganesha, Buddha, floral shapes, etc., are inserted inside each oyster following every minor procedure. After that, the oyster is closed. These oysters are fed natural food and antibiotics for 10 days while being housed in nylon bags. These are examined every day, and any dead oysters are taken out.
Oysters are put in the pond.
These oysters are now being placed in the ponds. They are placed in the pond at a depth of one meter and hung in nylon bags—two oysters per bag—using bamboo or a bottle. These can be reproduced at a rate of 20,000–30,000 oysters per hectare. The material that is coming from inside begins to collect around the bead, eventually taking the shape of a pearl. The pearl is extracted from the oyster after roughly 8 to 10 months.
Costs and Profits in Pearl Farming
At a reduced price, a single oyster costs about 20 to 30 rupees. One- to 20-mm oyster pearls cost between Rs. 300 and Rs. 1500 on the open market. Designer beads are highly popular right now and sell for a fair price on the market. Exporting pearls to overseas markets can bring in much more money than selling them in the Indian market.
In short, Instead of limiting itself to the Bangladeshi market, it may make enormous profits by exporting pearls to other markets. Oysters can be sold on the market after the pearl has been extracted from the oyster. Oysters produce a variety of decorative items as well.
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Writer
Atika Afia Broty
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE.