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. In Jharkhand, Khunti ranks fourth in terms of lac production. Varieties of lac produced in Khunti includes rangini and kusmi lac hosted on Ber and Kusum tree. Lac cultivation and processing create substantial employment opportunities, especially during the off-season, and there is a high demand for lac products in domestic and international markets. It also plays a vital role in the local economy and the livelihoods of rural and tribal communities in the region. Lac is used in various industries from traditional handicrafts to modern industries. 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. In Khunti other than being involved in cultivation and processing, approximately 400-450 SHGs are engaged in lac bangle memento , ceiling wax and button lac making for their livelihood generation.
