3rd National Lac Insect Day 2024 observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 16 2024: The 3rd National Lac Insect Day 2024 was celebrated today at the Conference Hall of College of Agriculture (CoA), Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Iroisemba, Imphal on the theme, "Popularization of Lac Cultivation" .

The observance was jointly organised by ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture, Namkum, Ranchi and CoA, CAU, Imphal under the All India Network Project on Conservation of Lac Insect Genetic Resources.

The inaugural function was graced by Professor Indira Sarangthem, Dean, CoA, CAU, Imphal; Professor Kh Ibohal, PI of the Project, CoA, CAU, Imphal; Dr L Nabachandra Singh, Professor (Agronomy), CoA, CAU, Imphal; and Dr U Chaoba Singh, Professor (Horticulture), CoA, CAU, Imphal as presidium members.

Addressing the gathering, Prof Indira Sarangthem said that since 2014, a project titled 'Conservation of Lac Insect Genetic Resources' had been initiated at CoA, CAU under ICAR-Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums (IINRG), Ranchi and the first National Lac Insect Day was observed at the varsity in 2022.She asserted that the 3rd National Lac Insect Day was organised with the objective of educating fanners about lac insects to increase their produce and improve their financial condition.

The Dean also shared that in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to conserve Lac insects, particularly in regions like Manipur, where they can contribute significantly to both biodiversity conservation and economic development.

"Due to its natural, nontoxic, biodegradable, eco-friendly nature, Lac has been in consistent demand in the market", said Prof Kh Ibohal while adding that cultivation of Lac has become a profitable business for many people as it provides employment opportunities mainly in the off-agriculture seasons.

Prof Kh Ibohal also mentioned that considering the benefits of Lac, the CoA, CAU, Imphal has conducted training programmes at 5 valley districts and Kamjong district.

The event culminated with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr P Bhumita, Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, CoA, CAU, Imphal.

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