The Lac and Shellac Industry in India1

Abstract

AT the present time India holds what is virtually a monopoly of lac production, and no satisfactory substitute has yet appeared on the world's markets. This monopoly cannot, however, be regarded as a sinecure; other countries are likely to be found suitable for lac cultivation, and the present high value of lac and its importance to many Western industries render it urgent that the production of this substance should be encouraged along improved scientific and economic lines. The propagation of lac is still very carelessly carried out, and its methods of collection need much improvement. The crop varies from year to year, prices fluctuate seasonally, and there is much injurious market speculation. The bulk of the world's lac comes from Chota Nagpur, Orissa, the north-eastern half of the Central Provinces, some western districts of Bengal, and from part of the Mirzapur district of the United Provinces. Out of the ninety or more trees which have been recorded as hosts for the lac insect (Tachardia lacca), the most important include Schleicheria trijuga, Butea frondosa, Zizyphus jujuba and xylopyrus, together with species of Acacia, Ficus, etc. These plants contain much gummy or resinous matter or are rich in latex.