4th National Lac Insect Day celebrated
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 16 2025: The 4th National Lac Insect Day 2025 was celebrated today at the virtual classroom of College of Agriculture (COA), Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Iroisemba, Imphal on the theme, "Popularization of Lac Cultivation" .

The observance was organised by the CoA, CAU, Imphal under the All India Network Project on Conservation of Lac Insect Genetic Resources.

The inaugural function was graced by dignitaries, including Dr L Nabachandra Singh, Professor (Agronomy), COA, CAU, Imphal; Dr K Mamocha Singh, Professor (Entomology), COA, CAU, Imphal; Dr KI Singh, Professor and PI of the Project, COA, CAU, Imphal; and Dr P Bhumita, Co-Pi of the Project, COA, CAU, Imphal.

The event began with a welcome address delivered by Dr Jeti Konsan, Assistant Entomologist, AICRP-Maize, COA, CAU, Imphal followed by a Keynote address by Dr KI Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr L Nabachandra Singh said that the 4th National Lac Insect Day was organised with the objective of educating farmers about Lac insects to increase their produce and improve their financial condition.

He asserted 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 Dr L Nabachandra while adding that Lac is used in the making of natural dye, engine gasket, gramophone records, frames of eyeglasses, bangles and many cosmetic items.

Dr L Nabachandra also underlined the necessity of integrating traditional knowledge with modern technologies for lac farming.

Dr P Bhumita encouraged collaborative efforts for promoting Lac cultivation among farmers and researchers while Dr K Mamocha highlighted the ecological & commercial benefits of Lac cultivation.

The function concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr Nilima Karam, Junior Entomologist, AICRP- Soybean, COA, CAU, Imphal.

The event witnessed active participation of over 100 members from progressive farmer community, students, faculties and scientists.

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