Pearl culture in Japan and its lessons for India

The present article is the outcome of the author's study of the pearl culture industry of Japan during the years 1966-68. Observations made at the Mikinloto Pearl Culture Farm to a great extent, together with the information collected from personal enquiries and from the existing literature, have helped in writing this account. The history of growth of the industry is traced and the present status discussed. The activities of pearl culture farms are outlined. The various phases of pearl culture are illustrated with photographs. Brief mention is made of the pearl culture industry in other parts of the world. An account of the natural pearl fisheries of India, a brief review of the earlier attempts on induced pearl formation, and some plans for future experiments on pearl culture in India are given.