President A P J Abdul Kalam has showered praise on a scientist who produced the biggest black pearl in the world.
Dr Ajay K Sonkar, who produced the pearl through the black lip oyster 'Pinctada margaritifera', met the President on Monday and apprised him of the research work carried out in Andaman and Nicobar islands.
The scientist said that Kalam showed interest in the research and asked him to think about generating job opportunities, as the rare pearl is worth $30,000 in the international market.
The President was also willing to visit the islands sometime, Dr Sonkar said. "Once I reach the islands I will send a formal invitation to him."
The development assumes significance as not even a single pearl was produced in 30 years in government research institutes.
Sonkar produced a black pearl of 8 mm nucleus in a period of seven months after he was allowed to do research activities in the islands.
What is special about the technology developed by him is that there is no need to kill the oyster to produce the pearl. The oyster can again be used for the purpose, he said.