Moradabad, June 2 -- Pearl farming, once associated mainly with oceans and coastal regions, is now emerging as a new source of livelihood in smaller Indian cities, with innovative farmers turning waterlogged land into profitable aquaculture ventures. In Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad, pearl cultivation is creating fresh employment opportunities for farmers and young entrepreneurs by combining skill development, awareness and modern farming techniques.

At first glance, the ponds used for pearl cultivation appear ordinary. But beneath the floating bottles and underwater net structures lies a carefully designed system where oysters are cultivated to produce pearls over several months.

The initiative was started by pearl farmer Dr Deepak Mehdira...