Socio-economic silhouette and value chain analysis: An overview of lac sector

Abstract

Indian subcontinent is the major hub of biodiversity of fauna and lora. Several forest produces have signiicant importance in social and economic life of tropical lands. These forest produces are classiied into wood and non –wood forest produces (NWFP). NWFP includes natural resins, gums and exudates, leaves (tendu), turpentine from pines, and perfumery oils from roots, stumps and fruits of various tree species. Most NWFPs are export currency earners and many are well suited for local small scale industries. NRGs of commercial importance like lac, rosin, guar gum (Cyamopsis tetragonolobus L.), karaya gum (Sterculia urens), dhawada gum (Anogeissus latifolia), salai gum (Boswellia serrata), char /piyar gum (Buchanania lanzan Spreng.) and babool gum (Acacia nilotica) are produced in India. Resins are valued for their chemical properties and associated uses, such as the production of varnishes, adhesives and food glazing agents. This group of natural resins includes lac secreted by an insect and plant originated products like rosin, copal and dammer.