PAU marks Lac Insect Day with guest lecture, field visit

The Department of Entomology at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) commemorated “National Lac Insect Day” by hosting a guest lecture titled “Lac Cultivation: Methods and Potential.” The event was organised in collaboration with the National Institute of Secondary Agriculture, Ranchi, under the ICAR-funded Network Project on Conservation of Lac Insect Genetic Resources. It aimed to promote awareness about the socio-economic significance of lac cultivation. A total of 146 undergraduate and postgraduate students participated, reflecting keen academic interest.

The keynote lecture was delivered online by Dr Arumugam Mohanasundaram, a distinguished senior scientist with over a decade of expertise in lac insect research and cultivation. Describing lac as a natural, renewable, non-toxic, biodegradable and eco-friendly resin, he explained that it is secreted by the lac insect (Kerria lacca), a small yet economically significant species. He emphasised lac’s wide applications in surface and fruit coatings, adhesives, electronics, food, leather, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, calling it “one of nature’s most valuable gifts to humanity.”

Dr PS Shera, principal entomologist and principal investigator of the project, shared that PAU has identified natural lac insect infestations on 15 host plants during field surveys across Punjab, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. He noted that integrating lac cultivation with non-host agricultural and horticultural crops using a participatory approach could help diversify land use and increase farmers’ income.

Dr Rabinder Kaur, principal entomologist, coordinated an exhibition of various lac-based products at Dr Gurcharn Singh Kalkat Laboratories. A quiz competition for students was also conducted as part of the celebration to foster greater awareness about lac insects.

The day concluded with a field visit led by Dr Sudhendu Sharma, senior entomologist, to the Regional Field Gene Bank, where students gained hands-on experience identifying lac insect life stages and host plants.

Dr Manmeet Brar Bhullar, head of the Department of Entomology, underscored the importance of conserving this economically vital insect for its ecological value and potential to support farmers’ livelihoods.