Lac cultivation and their host trees found in Bastar forest division
Beneficial insects are one of the important economic components of forest ecosystem. Their exploitation had been historically linked with tribal economy especially in the Bastar Plateau and Northern Hills Sarguja Region, in which the whole of Chhattisgarh forms a part. Therefore, exploiting insects producing lac, silk and honey are important in terms reality and/or potentiality of their products. Besides, culturing of these insects is attractive in terms economic returns as well as suitable for the land and culture of people of region. India is a major producer and exporter of Lac with an estimated annual yield which has been hovering between 15000-20000 MT during the last one decade. India contributes about 60% followed by Thailand in world Lac trade. Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh are the Lac producing states in the country.