Venezuelan Aquaculture Society Publishes Work of Indian Scientist Dr. Ajai Kumar Sonkar
Port Blair / New Delhi / Caracas, Nov. 26: India has marked a major milestone in the global aquaculture community as groundbreaking research on pearl farming from the Andaman Islands has been published by the Venezuelan Aquaculture Society in its international scientific magazine, El Acuicultor (Vol. 5, Issue 4, October 2025).
The research paper titled “Changing the Horizon: Onshore Marine Pearl Farming as a Sustainable Alternative in India” by Dr. Ajai Kumar Sonkar, a renowned independent marine scientist, documents India’s first large-scale controlled onshore rearing of marine pearl oysters (Pinctada margaritifera and Pteria penguin) and its implications for sustainable aquaculture.
This recognition is not only a prestige for Indian science but also a proud moment for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, from where this breakthrough originated. The publication demonstrates that India’s innovation in pearl aquaculture is now leading conversations on sustainability at the global level.
The Venezuelan magazine has dedicated a detailed scientific feature to Dr. Sonkar’s findings, highlighting:
High survival and high-quality pearl success in controlled land-based marine culture
Reduced ecological impact on reef ecosystems
Low-cost and scalable models suitable for coastal communities
New hope for climate-resilient and ethically driven aquaculture
Speaking about the publication, Dr. Sonkar expressed gratitude to the Venezuelan Aquaculture Society for recognising India’s contribution to sustainable aquaculture, acknowledging that the success of the Andaman research now belongs to the world.
This achievement reinforces the fact that Indian independent research, even without large-scale institutional support, is capable of shaping the future of global aquaculture.
The publication further validates the Andaman Islands as a global innovation hub for marine biotechnology, aquaculture and climate-adaptive farming models.