President Droupadi Murmu on September 20, 2024 batted for lac farming while taking part in the centenary celebration of the ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture (NISA) in Ranchi.
- The President pointed out that agricultural waste can be utilised properly through secondary agriculture activities and can be processed to make useful and valuable things so that the environment can be protected and the farmers’ income will be increased as well.
- Ms. Murmu said lac is produced in India mainly by the tribal community which is an important source of their income. There is a demand for high-quality lac in the pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries.
About Lac
- Lac, a natural resin secreted by a tiny insect called Kerria Lacca (Kerr), is a major source of income for people dependent on agriculture and minor forest products.
- Lac being a parasite is mostly cultivated in three types of trees—Ber, Palash, and Kusum.
- In India Jharkhand is the major producer of lac, contributing to almost 54.60% of the total production.
- Jharkhand’s Khunti district is the largest producer of lac, contributing ~29% of the state’s total lac production.
- Lac in its three forms –stick lac, seed lac, and shellac is used for multiple purposes such as wood finishing, the food industry, cosmetics, jewellery, and many more.
