Reviving Purulia's Lac Heritage • Empowering Rural Communities • Building Sustainable Livelihoods
Explore Our InitiativeS&D Group's Lac Cultivation Project in Purulia aims to rejuvenate the traditional lac industry, empower rural and tribal communities, and promote sustainable livelihoods through skill development, cluster-based support, and modern processing infrastructure.
Lac, a natural resin secreted by lac insects, has been cultivated in Purulia for centuries. However, the industry has declined in recent decades due to various factors. Our initiative seeks to reverse this trend by blending traditional wisdom with scientific practices, creating a sustainable value chain from cultivation to global marketing.
By integrating skill development, cluster support, modern processing, and branding, we aim to make Purulia a model for rural transformation and economic empowerment.
A comprehensive strategy to revive lac cultivation in Purulia through multi-faceted interventions
Intensive programs for farmers, women, and youth on scientific lac cultivation, host tree care, pest control, and post-harvest handling.
Formation of 50+ clusters across 20 blocks, organizing farmers into SHGs/cooperatives for training, monitoring, and market linkages.
Promotion of agroforestry, organic practices, and conservation of indigenous lac strains for eco-friendly, dual-income farming.
Revival and modernization of lac units, new machinery for stick lac cleaning, seedlac purification, and shellac formation.
Development of "Manbhum Lac" brand, digital campaigns, rural fairs, and export facilitation to connect Purulia's lac to global markets.
At least 30% participation of women, entrepreneurship programs for tribal youth, and support for SHGs and cooperatives.
Selection and cultivation of suitable host trees like Palash, Ber, and Kusum that provide the ideal environment for lac insects to thrive.
Introduction of lac insects to host trees during specific seasons, ensuring optimal conditions for resin production.
Careful harvesting of lac encrustations from host trees after the completion of the insect life cycle.
Conversion of raw lac into various commercial forms like seedlac, shellac, and button lac through washing, melting, and filtering processes.
Farmers Engaged
Processing Units Revived
Host Trees Protected
Women Participation
Increased household incomes by 30-40% through lac cultivation and value-added products.
Active participation of women in lac processing and marketing through SHGs and cooperatives.
Creation of employment opportunities for rural youth in lac cultivation, processing, and marketing.
Promotion of agroforestry and conservation of indigenous tree species that host lac insects.
Training in scientific lac cultivation techniques, processing methods, and business management.
Direct market linkages and export facilitation for lac products, eliminating middlemen.
"Thanks to S&D Group's lac cultivation project, my family's income has increased and we have learned new farming techniques. This initiative is truly changing lives in our village."
"The cluster approach and modern processing units have brought new hope to our community. We are grateful for S&D Group's support."
Be part of the movement to revive Purulia's lac heritage and create sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.
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