Asia’s largest lac plantation set for revival in Palamu

Asia’s largest lac plantation, spread across 421 acres in Kundri village of Lesliganj block in Jharkhand’s Palamu district, is set to be revived following a fresh initiative by the state government. The plantation hosts nearly 90,000 palash trees and is managed by the Forest Department, while lac production is entrusted to the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS).

Lac production at the site had come to a halt after the Covid-19 pandemic, despite an agreement signed in 2019–20 between JSLPS and the Forest Department. The revival effort gained momentum after Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore personally visited the plantation, reviewed its condition, and held discussions with officials and local villagers.

Advertisement

The minister has directed the departments concerned to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and chalk out a comprehensive action plan for restarting production. He said the revival of Asia’s largest lac garden would not only boost state revenue but also generate employment for local communities and give Palamu a distinct identity. He added that investors willing to set up lac-based processing units would be provided support.

Officials estimate that once fully operational, the Kundri lac plantation could generate an annual business turnover of Rs 70 to Rs 100 crore. At present, around 663 women associated with self-help groups and several local farmers are linked to the project. The restoration is expected to benefit thousands of villagers from more than half a dozen nearby settlements.

Security remains a major challenge for the plantation. Being unfenced and open from all sides, it had witnessed large-scale theft of lac before the pandemic, causing heavy losses to farmers. As part of the revival plan, the government is considering fencing the entire area and constructing protective trenches. Local farmers have welcomed the move.

Lac is a natural resin secreted by the insect Laccifer lacca, which thrives on palash, kusum, and ber trees. The resin is used in the manufacture of bangles, cosmetics, jewellery, sealing wax, varnish, ink, and specialised cement. The production cycle usually takes four to six months.

India is the world’s largest producer of lac, and a national research centre on lac operates from Ranchi. The revival of the Kundri plantation is expected to strengthen Jharkhand’s position in lac production and provide a fresh boost to the rural economy of Palamu district.