The 4th National Lac Insect Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna on May 16, 2025. The event aimed to raise awareness about the ecological and economic significance of the lac insect (Kerria lacca). Organized under the Network Project on Conservation of Lac Insect Genetic Resources, funded by the ICAR–National Institute of Secondary Agriculture (NISA), Ranchi, the program witnessed the participation of 40 undergraduate students from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Patna Hub.
On this occasion, Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna, conveyed his message stating that lac cultivation is an important source of secondary income and plays a crucial role in uplifting the livelihood of tribals and rural farmers.
Dr. Abhishek Kumar, Scientist, ICAR-RCER, Patna and Principal Investigator of the project, delivered an insightful lecture on the importance of conserving the lac insect. He said the conservation of lac insects is crucial for multiple reasons, including its impact on tribal economies, its potential for sustainable income generation, and its ecological significance.
Lac culture, a practice involving nurturing lac insects on specific host trees, is a source of livelihood for many rural communities and provides a valuable natural resin with diverse applications. Dr. Kumar also emphasized the critical ecosystem services provided by lac insects and their role in supporting the livelihoods of tribal and rural communities. He encouraged students to raise awareness about lac conservation among farmers and rural populations in their native regions.
The program was graced by the presence of Dr. Shivani, Principal Scientist, ICAR-RCER, Patna, who highlighted the ecological benefits of preserving the lac insect and its contribution to sustainable livelihoods. Dr. Ved Prakash, Scientist, ICAR-RCER, Patna, spoke about the socio-economic aspects of lac insect conservation and urged the younger generation to take an active role in promoting scientific lac cultivation as a sustainable enterprise.
Students appreciated the practical insights shared by the scientists and were motivated to take forward the message of lac conservation and sustainable utilization within their communities.
The celebration concluded with an interactive knowledge-sharing session, focusing on practical applications in rural extension and outreach.
