RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Feb.14: The birthplace of tribal icon Birsa Munda, which during the past few years hogged the limelight for hate messages, will soon be known as the place for the production of symbols of love and purity.
This became possible today when Union Tribal Affairs Minister and Khunti MP Arjun Munda, who is a passionate golf player and loves playing the flute and spends his spare time in art and painting, launched pearl farming at Akri block in the district in the presence of former Lok Sabha Speaker Karia Munda, ministers of state for tribal affairs Renuka Singh and Bisheshwar Tudu besides TRIFED chairman, Ramsinh Rathwa.
Pearl is considered a symbol of love and purity that brings a positive effect on relationships. Its farming will be done under Van Dhan Scheme, an initiative of union tribal affairs and TRIFED. It was launched on 14th April 2018 and seeks to improve tribal incomes through the value addition of tribal products.
Addressing the programme organised on the occasion, Munda said that Arki block will be known as Pearl Block across the country as it is the first place in India where pearl cultivation has been started.
A TRIFED official said for the cultivation of pearls a group of farmers needs either a pond of 100m length and 100m breadth of 40m length and 40 m breadth.
