Impact of special project on lac cultivation & processing in the Mahasamund divisional forest area of Chhattisgarh under Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY)

Abstract

Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Ltd. Raipur (CGMFP), Govt. of Chhattisgarh has implemented a special project on Lac Cultivation & Processing in Chhattisgarh states. This project was aimed to train the tribal people for scientific lac cultivation practices, to provide required input materials like broodlac, pesticides, tools and implements and providing the post harvest management facilities. Present study was conducted in the Mahasamund divisional forest area of Chhattisgarh state to see the impact of the project. For the purpose of study, 5% beneficiaries i.e. 25 from both of the block were randomly identified and the data were collected on various aspects of lac cultivation and about this scheme through interview schedule. The data related to method of lac cultivation, production and income generated were recorded. It was intimated by the beneficiaries that Market value of the produce was transferred in the bank accounts of SHG members and it was evidences in the form of approved official records i.e. bank passbook. It was observed that non-credit inputs like Secateurs, Dauli / Pruning knives were received by the beneficiaries and utilized at the time of pruning and to prune subsequently. Planning and implementation of the scheme were satisfactory except Small Scale Lac Processing Unit establishment; extra effort is required in this region for making operational of Processing Unit at primary level processing and value addition. Non-credit inputs seem to be a major motivation factor for the members of SHGs.