Hazaribag Designated India's First Pearl Farming Cluster
On 3 May 2026, Hazaribag in Jharkhand became India's first and only pearl farming cluster. Supported under the PMMSY scheme, the project promotes freshwater pearl cultivation and women's empowerment through SHGs and an all-women FPO.
Hazaribag district in Jharkhand was officially designated as India's first and only pearl farming cluster on 3 May 2026. The project aims to develop freshwater pearl cultivation and strengthen rural livelihoods in the region.
Pearl farming will be carried out through dedicated pond clusters in the Daurwa-Kundwa area and by integrating pearl culture with cage culture operations in the Tilaiya reservoir. The cluster uses modern aquaculture technologies and provides direct market linkages for farmers.
A major focus of the project is empowering women. Self-help groups (SHGs) are being involved, and an all-women Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) is being set up to handle cultivation and management. The initiative is supported under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the central government's flagship scheme for the fisheries sector.
Aspirants should note Hazaribag (Jharkhand) as India's first pearl farming cluster and link it to the PMMSY scheme.
Key Points to Remember
- Hazaribag (Jharkhand) named India's first pearl farming cluster on 3 May 2026
- Pearl culture developed in the Daurwa-Kundwa area and Tilaiya reservoir
- Supported under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
- Focus on women's empowerment via SHGs and an all-women FPO
- Uses modern aquaculture technology with direct market linkages
Exam Relevance
Relevant for UPSC, SSC and State PCS General Awareness (government schemes — PMMSY, fisheries, geography of Jharkhand).
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