Abstract

The lac cultivation is mainly carried out in Chhotanagpur plateau of Bihar and adjoining areas of other states like M.P., W.B., U.P. and Maharashtra mostly by tribals inhabiting in remote villages and forest areas. It is normally a subsidiary source of income for farmers of these areas. Out of total lac produced in India (average 20,000 tonnes) more than 80% is exported to about 100 countries. An attempt was made to identify and discuss the problems of lac growers in the changing national scenario. These problems include non-renumerative price received by lac growers, fluctuation of price, shrinkage in area of lac cultivation, irregular distribution of host trees, shortage of broodlac, unawareness of improved methods of lac cultivation and other technological problems and lack of proper marketing facilities. These problems are the hurdles for sustained lac production in the country. Lac cultivation has potential and provides economic support to rural family. It needs little care unlike other agricultural crops and does not interfere with other agriculture processes, as the host trees for lac culture (Butea monosperma, Zizyphus mauritiana, Schleichera oleosa, Acacia auriculiformis and others) are mostly on barren or unutilised land. Minimum support price to lac growers, stable market, utilisation of unexploited host tree for lac cultivation, free movement of brood and sticklac from one state to other, adoption of improved technique of lac cultivation, problem oriented research and development, coupled with support from NGOs and GOs will help sustained supply of lac and uplift the socio-economic status of lac growers.

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