Abstract

Many of us are, perhaps, unaware of the extreme economic importance of Lac Industry in India. It is a most fascinating subject as may be seen from the extensive use made of lac in the manufacture of many of the articles in common use such as sealing wax, gramophone records, varnishes, lacquer- ware, wooden toys, electrical goods, dyes, etc. The fact that, except for a small percentage contributed by Annam and Siam, India practically holds the monopoly for the world supply of this commodity, should be sufficient reason to justify our taking greater interest in the cultivation and production of lac. It is upto us to see that this industry is developed to the utmost on up-to-date lines so as to enable our controlling and dictating prices in the world market, instead of depending as at present upon the whims and fancies of purchasers in the foreign market. The total quantity and value of lac exported from India, as shown in the following table, indicate that this industry is by no means such a small and negligible one as it is supposed to be.

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