Status of Lac Production and Marketing in West Karbi Anglong District of Assam

Abstract

West Karbi Anglong district of Assam State is historically a major lac producing area in the North Eastern India from where lac was used to be exported to China and Japan during 17th and 18th. The farmers in these areas have been cultivating making lac (cultivation)delete since time immemorial. .Among several indigenous communities inhabiting West Karbi Anglong district, Karbis are rearing lac insects (Kerria lacca Kerr), locally called Laha, on naturally growing host plants in forests and on pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) in a traditional practice. The present investigation attempted to examine the present status of production and marketing of lac in West Karbi Anglong. The primary data was collected from 75 lac farmers to find out the present status of production and marketing of lac. More than 35tons of lac are exported to other states from West Karbi Anglong districts annually. Due to their traditional practice these producers are receiving a low price for their product as low as compared to the market rate. The product is marketed to local intermediaries, local traders and distant traders. Lack of awareness and knowledge on value addition and the prevailing market price, marketing agencies and industries resulted in lower price of the product. Lack of scientific knowledge on production and processing of lac is the major problem encountered by the farmers. Lack of processing unit is another major problem for which the lac producers received a low price for their product.