Need to promote lac culture in State stressed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 02 2022: Head of Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture (CoA), Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, Professor Kh Ibohal has expressed concern on the degrading habitat of 'lac insects' due to deforestation thereby posing a big threat to the ecological balance.

He made the above state while delivering the keynote address during a training programme on 'Scientific Methods of Lac Insect Cultivation under Manipur Condition' held at the conference hall of CAU today.

The training programme was jointly organised by ICAR-Network Project on Conservation of Lac Insect Genetic Resources, HNRG, Namkum, Ranchi and Director of Research, CAU, Imphal.

Professor Kh Ibohal further informed that various forms of products can be derived from lac insect locally known as 'Cha' and the forefathers in the State used such products widely in olden days.

However he expressed discontent that due to the ignorant attitude of today's generation about the usefulness of this insect and deforestation has led to the reduction in its population.

With regards to the training programme, he stated that it has been organised to raise awareness on lac culture in the State and to promote entrepreneurship thereby contributing to the State's economy.

The inaugural function of the training programme was graced by Professor L Nabachandra Singh, Department of Agronomy, CoA, CAU, Professor RK Dilip Singh, Department of Horticulture and Professor Indira Sarangthem, Dean as the presidium members.

The presidium members also highlighted the benefits of lac insects and the scope of lac farming or culture in the State.

Students of Manipur University, Dhanamanjuri University and farmers also participated in the training programme.

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