“Lac”
brings Lacs - Divyayan KVK Intervention
In the context of lac cultivation Divyayan KVK
provides various mechanisms to Lac rearers who are depending on this dying
traditional livelihood. In collaboration with Indian Institute of Natural
Resins and Gums (IINRG), Namkum, Divyayan KVK endows with updated technical
training and demonstration along with required tool-kits such as spraying
machines, secateurs, nylon nets etc. along with Brood (Seed) Lac to the local Adivasi
Youth to boost up lac production.
Written by Rajesh Kumar and Ajeet
Kumar Singh
Lac, a natural polymer (resin) is produced
minuscule insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr), and cultured on shoots of several
species of trees, mainly kusum palas, and ber. Lac cultivation becomes a
buzzer for money for huge number of farmers belonging to Jharkhand,
Chhattisgarh. West Bengal, Orrissa, North-East states and some other parts
India. The country meets around 55% of the total world requirement and exports
around 80-90% of its production. Jharkhand contributes
around 39% of total National lac production and Ranchi (mainly) followed by Singhbhum, Gumla,,
Simdega, Latehar, Palamau, Garhwa, Khunti and Hazaribagh are the main lac
growing districts. Lac rearing and cultivation is a traditional occupation for
rural tribals. Lac production is confined only in trees namely kusum palas,
ber and Semialata. Enormous
potential of lac rearing and cultivation has yet to be tapped keeping in view
the vast unused available resources and the same can generate mammoth income
for the poor rural people of East Indian plateau region.
In this regard certain issues are yet to be solved.
Firstly, vacillation in lac cultivation, and in its risky & uncertainty
production due to pitiable use of scientific technologies. Secondly, seed
(broodlac) for lac production can not be stored and its longevity is very
dumpy. As a result any dip in lac production may be due to adverse climatic
conditions has a pitfall in the forthcoming session also. Thirdly, diseases
affecting lac production are also not getting proper attention in these rural
areas due to non availability of Agricultural Scientists. Fourthly, lac
producers are unsuccessful to pierce global marketing practices owing to lack
of expert guidance. Fifthly, inadequate working capital
to buy qualitative Brood Lac (mother insects) is also hindering the
expansion of lac production. Sixthly, lac insect itself is highly vulnerable to
predators, disease and natural elements, and neither technological advances nor
insurance mechanism exists to mitigate such risks.
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| Lac Cultivation (Photo: DKVK) |
In the context of lac cultivation Divyayan KVK provides
various mechanisms to Lac rearers who are depending on this dying traditional
livelihood. In collaboration with Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums
(IINRG), Namkum, Divyayan KVK endows with updated technical training and
demonstration along with required tool-kits such as spraying machines,
secateurs, nylon nets etc. along with Brood (Seed) Lac to the local Adivasi
Youth to boost up lac production. After Divyayan KVK started its active
participation in the said district since 2010-11 the same farmers experienced a
miracle change in the lac cultivation and production, and all these efforts
unfolded their happiness by enhancing their income multifold. This slow but
steady intervention is bringing a sustainable development in the socio- conomic
condition of the cultivators and also encouraging the other farmers belonging
to nearby villages having similar natural resources i.e. host plant like Kusum,
Palas, Ber and Semialata to commence this lac cultivation.
Presently lac cultivation is promoted and conducted in 31 adopted
villages among more than 3500 farmers of Ranchi and Khunti districts with the
technical and financial assistance offered by Divyayan KVK. Villagers of
Kullipiri, Sirkapasrabera, Maliyada, Gutigara, Namsilli, Ichdih, Maeldih,
Chanpi and Barkela of Khunti district and those of Lodembera, Sarjamdih,
Jhinki, Kutarloba, Sursu, Putadag, Saeda, Burhakoch, Dokad, Sarnatoli, Gutidih, Jradih, Obar, Khakshitoli,
Gundlitoli, Sonahatu, Bainsnadih, Kothadih, Baburamdih, Dimra, Lenkiya,
Chturdih, Chinpibadhdih, Pokta and Kuchru of Ranchi district has been
successfully cultivating and producing lac and with the appropriate marketing
practices offered by Divyayan KVK , farmers of these areas are able to find
superior market for Brood Lac. Farmers of Putadag village of Angara block of
Ranchi district earn Rs. 30,000 to Rs.40,000/- p.a. through lac cultivation.
Some of the progressive farmers cultivating lac are now earning on an on
average Rs. 1,50000 to Rs. 2,00000/- per year. Besides, these farmers of some
villages also preserved Brood Lac (lac seed) for their own requirement to
produce next crop. Presently farmers of our adopted villages as mentioned above
are able to produce their own Brood Lac for further propagating this venture by
utilizing their own trees and set example for other farmers to follow it and
utilize other unexploited trees. Salient technological intervention of Divyayan
KVK with the help of IINRG is cultivation of Kusumi Lac in Ber plant which is
first of its kind for the farmers of this locality. With the help of farmers of
our adopted villages Divyayan KVK has formed a Brood Lac (lac seed) bank. This
bank ensures quality and in-time supply of the Brood lac to the Lac cultivators
at minimum price.
*****************
Rajesh Kuma. SMS, DIVYAYAN KVK, RKM Ashrama, Ranchi
E mail: rajesh7rkm@gmail.com
Ajeet Kumar Singh, PC, DIVYAYAN KVK, RKM Ashrama, Ranchi
wonderful work
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