Threat to the Sustainable Production of Natural Resins: A Case of Rangeeni Strain of Kerria lacca (Kerr) in Eastern Plateau & Hills Region of South East Asia

The study conducted to examine the trends, growth and instability in the production of an insect-based natural resin in India. Study is designed with sampling and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) based primary data as well as secondary data. District-level time-series data of Jharkhand state for 50 years from 1970-71 to 2019-20 was used. Time series analysis revealed the variation in lac production levels in different levels of geo coordinates. Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) was worked out by fitting the exponential function. The instability indices worked out by using the method suggested by Cuddy and Dell. The growth in lac production and export of lac-based value-added products has decelerated in the post-liberalization period, while yield growth has accelerated. The overall decline in the production level of rangeeni crop ranged from -5.54% in Western Plateau Sub Zone V to -6.98% in South Eastern Plateau Sub Zone VI. Utilization of the existing natural endowment of Butea monosperma in major rangeeni lac-producing districts in Western Plateau Sub Zone V could be a promising strategy to minimize the variation in the production of rangeeni crop. A paradigm shifts from rangeeni lac cultivation during previous decades coupled with climate change issues may be another possible reason for the regional disparity in the level of rangeeni lac production.

The overall scenario in Jharkhand state depicts the alarming situation for katki crop (Rainy season rangeeni crop) having the highest instability index (49.69), particularly with significant negative growth rates from 2000 to 2020. The magnitude of decline for katki crop was found highest and most significant during the 2001-2010 period. Although, the production of rangeeni strain was affected adversely in Jharkhand (-21.60%) during the Ninth Five Year Plan coupled with shifting from rangeeni to kusmi lac cultivation due to boosting through capacity building and skill development programs which influenced the awareness and knowledge level of the stakeholders. However, COVID-19 could break the momentum, and functionaries including the institutions and facilitators shifted to manage the disrupted supply chains during 2019-20 and 2020-21. Post COVID-19 scenario, emerged with new ICT-enabled interventions with greater scope for extension and awareness programs. However, there is a huge technological gap in the existing lac industry with poor automation and dependency on local labor. Policy interventions including market initiatives like Minimum Support Prices (MSP), Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs); and Institutional initiatives like FPOs, SHGs, JLGs, etc. may play a key role in strengthening the sector. New host plants like Flemingia semialata may be promoted to reduce instability indices in the long run.