Prawn and purple culture

Question

Sathiyavarsha K · Answer

I think you meant Prawn culture and Pearl culture (sometimes people say “purple culture” by mistake for “pearl culture”). Let me explain both clearly:

1. Prawn Culture (Shrimp Farming)

Shrimp/prawn farming is highly profitable, especially species like Tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) and Vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).

Requirements

Pond/Tank – Freshwater or brackish water pond, 0.5–2 acres.

Seed (Post Larvae) – Buy from certified hatcheries.

Water quality – pH 7.5–8.5, salinity (for marine species) 10–30 ppt, dissolved oxygen >4 ppm.

Feed – Commercial shrimp feed, rice bran, soybean meal, fishmeal.

Stocking density – Vannamei can be stocked 40–60 PL/m² (intensive).

Culture period – 120–150 days (4–5 months).

Profit Example (1 acre Vannamei shrimp farm)

Cost: ₹4–5 lakh (seed + feed + labor + electricity).

Harvest: 4–5 tons/acre.

Selling price: ₹350–450/kg (export quality).

Income: ₹14–18 lakh.

Net profit: ₹8–10 lakh/acre.

2. Pearl Culture (Moti Farming)

Pearl farming is done using freshwater mussels in ponds, lakes, or tanks.

Process

Pond – 0.25–1 acre, clean water.

Mussels collection – From rivers/lakes.

Surgery – Implant nucleus (small bead) inside mussel.

Culture period – 12–18 months.

Harvest – Pearls are removed, cleaned, polished.

Profit Example (1,000 mussels)

Cost: ₹50,000–70,000 (pond + mussel + surgery).

Production: 700–800 pearls.

Selling price: ₹300–1,000/pearl (depends on size, quality).

Income: ₹2–5 lakh.

Net profit: ₹1.5–4 lakh in 1.5 years.

Government Support

NABARD subsidy for both prawn and pearl farming under National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) & Blue Revolution Scheme.

Technical training from CIFE (Central Institute of Fisheries Education) and State Fisheries Department.

Summary:

Prawn farming = fast returns (4–5 months), high income but needs strict water management.

Pearl farming = longer duration (12–18 months), but low input and good profit.