In a bid to make farmers more self-reliant, lac cultivation is proving to be a highly profitable venture, transforming unused lands into income-generating opportunities. With the support of the Bioved Agriculture, Technology, and Science Research Institute, farmers are now practicing lac farming on barren lands and old, unused trees on a large scale. This innovative initiative is helping them earn significant profits within a short period, offering them an alternative source of income that complements traditional farming practices.
Lac is a natural resin produced by the lac insect, which thrives on a variety of host trees commonly found in rural areas, such as Kusum, Palash, Ber, Acacia, Pipal, and Ficus. By utilizing these trees, which are often underutilized or grow naturally in the wild, farmers can tap into a sustainable resource to generate additional income. The resin secreted by these insects is collected and processed to produce lac, which is in high demand across various industries for its use in making varnishes, adhesives, cosmetics, and more.
One of the key advantages of lac cultivation is its low cost and high return. Farmers can earn around ₹2,500 to ₹3,000 per tree per month through lac farming. This amount is significantly higher than what they would earn from seasonal crops. For instance, after growing two seasonal crops, farmers typically make ₹800 per acre annually. In contrast, by planting around 1,000 Flemingia host trees along the edges of their fields, farmers can earn a remarkable ₹2.5 to ₹3 lakh per acre annually through lac cultivation.
This lucrative venture is particularly beneficial for small and marginal farmers who struggle with low yields from traditional crops. Lac farming requires minimal investment and can be carried out alongside regular agricultural practices, offering farmers an additional stream of income without requiring them to abandon their conventional crops.
The widespread adoption of lac cultivation is helping revitalize barren and unused lands, contributing to the economic upliftment of farmers and rural communities. By utilizing available natural resources, such as host trees, farmers are not only earning more but also contributing to sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both the environment and their livelihoods.
Lac farming has the potential to become a major income generator for farmers across the region, especially as demand for natural products continues to grow. With ongoing support from agricultural research institutes like Bioved and increasing awareness of the benefits of lac farming, more farmers are likely to adopt this profitable and sustainable practice. The future of lac cultivation looks promising as it continues to provide farmers with a low-cost, high-reward alternative to traditional farming.
This initiative is a testament to how innovative farming techniques can improve farmers' lives, making them financially independent and enhancing the agricultural economy.
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