The establishment of new lac processing units and the introduction of a comprehensive training program for 5,000 farmers were announced during the centenary celebration of the ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture (NISA) in Ranchi. This initiative is expected to improve both the production and quality of lac in India’s agrotech sector.
Lac is a vital forest product for tribal communities in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. By modernizing farming practices, the initiative seeks to enhance farmers’ yields and product quality, ultimately supporting their economic stability. The training program at the Ranchi Agricultural Education Research Institute will equip farmers with vital skills in lac cultivation and processing, complemented by the establishment of small-scale and integrated processing units to enhance production efficiency.
This year, the initiative plans to expand its reach by offering a curriculum that includes best practices, pest management, and sustainable farming techniques aligned with current agricultural trends. The training program will increase its capacity from 1,500 to 5,000 farmers, empowering them to boost their profits through comprehensive education. The curriculum will cover a range of topics, ensuring farmers are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of modern agriculture. By focusing on practical training and hands-on learning, the program aims to foster a new generation of skilled lac producers who can innovate and thrive in an evolving market.
The National Institute of Secondary Agriculture has taken several steps for research and development as well as commercial development of lac, natural resins, and gums. This includes creating lac-based natural paints, varnishes, and cosmetic products to diversify offerings, as well as developing formulations to extend the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and spices, thereby reducing waste and boosting farmers’ profitability.
By empowering farmers through comprehensive education, the initiative seeks to increase both production and income, addressing the rising demand for high-quality lac in industries such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The adoption of modern agrotech solutions is expected to transform traditional farming methods and enhance the economic prospects of communities reliant on lac production.
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At the centenary celebration, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the importance of secondary agriculture. She emphasized that improving processing capabilities and supply chains could greatly enhance farmers’ livelihoods.
“Lac is not just a product, it represents a significant economic opportunity for our farmers. By modernizing the lac industry, we can meet growing market demands while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for local communities.”
She emphasized the broader challenges facing today’s agriculture, identifying critical issues such as food and nutrition security, sustainable resource use, and the impacts of climate change as major concerns that require urgent attention. By focusing on secondary agriculture, the government can leverage waste materials and create value-added products, effectively utilizing agricultural by-products and contributing to environmental sustainability. This holistic approach not only aims to uplift farmers but also addresses pressing environmental issues.
Union Agricultural Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, attending the centenary celebrations, emphasized the need to recognize lac as an agricultural product to secure greater government support and funding. He announced plans for cluster-based processing units designed to streamline operations, enabling farmers to access essential resources and technologies for effective lac production. By promoting collaboration among farmers and offering shared processing facilities, these clusters aim to enhance productivity and improve profit margins.
Minister also highlighted the importance of increasing the minimum support price for lac in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to ensure fair compensation for farmers. Many lac producers face challenges in securing adequate pricing, making this a government priority. By setting a minimum support price that covers production costs and includes a reasonable profit margin, the government aims to establish a more sustainable income for farmers engaged in lac cultivation.
The establishment of new lac processing units and a comprehensive training program is a key step in modernizing India’s lac industry. This initiative aims to enhance support and investment in agrotech solutions, positioning Ranchi as a center for agricultural education and research. By improving lac production practices, the initiative seeks to boost farmers’ incomes and support tribal communities, while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.