A chance encounter with a YouTube video transformed the life of Narendra Kumar Girwa, propelling him from financial struggles to becoming a trailblazer in freshwater pearl farming. Despite Rajasthan’s arid climate and his own lack of agricultural background, Narendra’s unwavering determination turned an improbable dream into a thriving reality.
A Fortuitous Discovery
A decade ago, Narendra was searching for terrace farming videos when an accidental typo led him to content about pearl farming. Intrigued, he delved deeper, realizing the vast potential in an industry that few in his home state had explored.
At the time, his life was in turmoil. Born and raised in Kishangarh Renwal, Jaipur, in a middle-income family with five siblings, Narendra had no land or farming experience. After graduation, he opened a bookstore near schools and colleges, which thrived for eight years. However, his landlord unexpectedly reclaimed the space, forcing Narendra to relocate to a less favorable location. The move proved disastrous—he lost Rs 4–5 lakh, and despite his wife’s support through her tailoring work, their financial situation worsened.
With his savings depleted and no viable alternatives in sight, Narendra faced a daunting crossroad.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
While searching for new business opportunities, Narendra’s accidental discovery of pearl farming seemed like a glimmer of hope. Many, including his own family, doubted the feasibility of pearl farming in Rajasthan’s climate. “People thought I had lost my mind,” he recalls with a laugh. But undeterred by skepticism, he sought formal training at the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) in Odisha, where he paid Rs 6,000 for a five-day intensive course on pearl cultivation.
Armed with knowledge and conviction, he purchased 500 mussels from Kerala and embarked on his first attempt in 2015. However, the endeavor quickly turned into a crisis. Rajasthan’s dry climate and the lack of local expertise posed immense challenges. Within two weeks, ammonia levels in the water rose, killing most of his mussels—only 35 survived. “I had failed miserably,” he admits.
But failure was not the end of his journey—it was the beginning of his relentless pursuit of success.
Refining the Craft & Achieving Breakthroughs
Narendra meticulously studied his mistakes and worked on refining his techniques. He invested months in understanding pond conditions, experimenting with water quality management, and ensuring the right environment for mussels to thrive. He endured a loss of Rs 50,000 in the process but never gave up.
Six months later, he procured another batch of 500 mussels and made crucial adjustments. His persistence paid off. Over the next 18 months, he improved the mussel survival rate to 70% and successfully harvested 700 pearls, earning him Rs 2 lakh. His button-shaped pearls, distinguished by their unique luster, captivated the market and validated his risky endeavor.
Today, Narendra’s pearl farming business spans 300 square feet with 3,000 mussels. With a yield of 5,000 pearls per cycle, he generates an impressive income of Rs 10–15 lakh every 18 months. His pearls, sold through Amazon and retail markets, have even led him into the world of pearl-based jewelry, further diversifying his income.
Inspiring & Educating a New Generation of Farmers
Narendra’s success story has resonated far beyond his village. Recognizing the power of knowledge-sharing, he has trained over 200 aspiring pearl farmers from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. His two-day workshops, priced at Rs 4,000, provide in-depth guidance on pearl farming and ongoing mentorship.
Among his trainees is Jodhpur’s Aditya Kachawa, who praises Narendra’s commitment: “The training was incredibly detailed, and Narendra ji is always available for guidance. With his help, I now cultivate 1,000 pearl mussels in my cemented pond.”
Narendra’s expertise has also drawn attention from international audiences. Though invited to share his knowledge in Dubai, Bhutan, and London, he remains dedicated to uplifting local farmers. His influence even extends abroad, with his guidance contributing to pearl pond setups in Nepal.
Secrets to Successful Pearl Farming
For those inspired by Narendra’s journey, he shares key insights:
- Source high-quality mussels. Transport them in wet jute sacks and sprinkle water regularly to maintain their health.
- Start small. A 10×15-foot pond is sufficient for 1,000 mussels, making pearl farming viable even in limited spaces.
- Maintain optimal water quality. Ammonia levels must be kept at zero. Using a water cooler motor for two to three hours daily helps regulate water circulation.
- Adapt to the climate. Narendra digs ponds five feet deep and utilizes green shades to maintain water temperatures between 10–30 degrees Celsius.
- Maximize profitability. With a 70% mussel survival rate, farmers can earn up to Rs 4 lakh from 1,400 pearls. Additionally, shell waste can be repurposed into handicrafts for extra income.
A Legacy of Resilience & Innovation
Narendra Kumar Girwa’s journey exemplifies how determination and adaptability can transform adversity into prosperity. From losing his bookstore to pioneering an industry in Rajasthan, he has not only secured his own future but has also created new opportunities for others.
His story is a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and the willingness to take unconventional paths. By turning setbacks into stepping stones, Narendra has illuminated a path for countless others to follow—one pearl at a time.