Skill Development on Lac Handicrafts

Dr. Alok Kumar Dr. AK Jaiswal Dr. AK Singh ICAR - Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums

Namkum, Ranchi - 834 010, Jharkhand (India)

Extension Bulletin No. 07/2015

Correct CitationAlok Kumar, AK Jaiswal and AK Singh 2015. Skill Development on Lac Handicrafts, ICAR- Indian Institute of Natural Resins & Gums, Extension Bulletin No:- 07/2015, 1-30 pp.

Published byDirector

AuthorsDr Alok Kumar l Dr AK Jaiswal l Dr AK Singh

PhotographerSri RP Srivastava

Publication CommitteeDr PC Sarkar l Dr Alok Kumar l Dr A Mohanasundaram l Shri SK Yadav

© ICAR-Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums, Namkum, Ranchi-834010, Jharkhand, India.Phone: 0651-2261154 / Fax: 0651-2260202 / Email: head.tot.iinrg @gmail.com / Visit us: www.ilri.ernet.in

Printed at:Kailash Paper Conversion Pvt. Ltd., 2 Bharatpuri, Purulia Road, Ranchi-834001

August 2015

Preface

Handicrafts of India represent our cultural tradition in true sense, as Indian way of life is replete with products made with the help of simple, indigenous tools by crafts people who belong within a strong fabric of tradition, aesthetic and artistry. India is world leader in lac production, processing and export and to maintain its supremacy in global market, it is not only necessary to maintain its present status but it is also necessary to intensify the uses of lac in diversified field.

Lac is widely used in food processing, textile, leather, cosmetics, varnish, and printing industries. Its thermoplastic and thermosetting behavior at fairly low temperature made this resin attractive for hand molding to get desired shape and size. Use of lac in handicraft is well known in making toys, jewelry, bangles, earrings and a range of decorative items. Lac handicraft sector is economically important in terms of low capital investment, high ratio of value addition and high potential for export and foreign exchange earnings for the country. In addition, due to ups and down in lac price, lac producers has to sell their produce, sometimes, at low price. People can start their business in group on small scale because of low capital investment and earn higher prices of their produce. Through this flexibility, the demand and supply can be managed.

But available information on lac handicraft is limited and scattered. The present compilation is in that direction with updated information on tools and raw materials used, method of preparation along with list of suppliers for lac handicraft products across the country. It may help for skill development for entrepreneurs, extension functionaries and farmers to undertake preparation of lac handicrafts.

Authors

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Skill Development on Lac Handicrafts

Lac, a natural resin, is a non-timber forest produce cultivated and collected by tribal inhabiting the sub-hilly tracts of India. It is a resinous substance secreted by an insect called Kerria lacca. The insect settles on the branches/twigs of certain hosts trees and shrubs such as Kusum, Palas, Ber, Semialata and forms an encrustation around it. The encrusted branches are cut and the resin is processed to remove all impurities. The resulting seed lac is utilized for making several products. Reference on lac has been cited in the Vedas. The Atharvaveda provides a detailed account of lac, its production and uses. India is one of the largest producer and exporter of lac. Lac is widely used in food processing, textile, leather, cosmetics, varnish and printing industries. Being bio-degradable and eco-friendly its usage is becoming highly popular. Its thermoplastic and thermosetting behaviour at fairly low temperature made this resin attractive for hand moulding to get desired shape and size. In handicrafts, the use of lac is well known in making toys, jewelry, bangles, earrings and a range of decorative items. Lac is used to hold the ornament when it is being set with precious/semi-precious stones or enameled. It is also filled inside the ornaments to give strength and hold their shapes. Lac bangles from West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh are very popular. Jaipur is the biggest centre for lac bangles. Lac based bangles are considered a sign of good omen and are worn by married women on all auspicious occasions in Gujarat and Rajasthan, red and green being the traditional colors. In Jharkhand, lac refuse called kiri forms the core of the lac bangles. The outer colored layer of the bangle is made out of better quality lac. Traditionally, lac bangles in Jharkhand are worn by married women belonging to Bhumij, Mo, Oraon, Munda and Santhal tribes. Lac bangles are made plain or with lehariya designs on them or studded with glass, precious and semiprecious stones. Lac is also used in making lacquered toys and furniture.

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India is famous for traditional handcraft, ethnic jewellery and is a tradition of West Rajasthan. The traditional heritage is made in time honoured fashion by ancient methods passed down through generations of jewellery makers. This is a rural jewellery art which has not received much publicity. The artisans are the talented people keeping this age old jewellery form alive. There are many designs to select from each with infinite variation. There are different types of ethnic jewellery such as ‘Kundan’ (where gold foil is used in the setting), ‘Jadoo’ (stone setting), ‘Meena’ (enamelling) and ‘Lac Jewellery’ (wax filled jewellery). A combination of one or more of these types can also be used to produce highly individual unusual pieces.

The handicrafts industry in India is unparalleled be it the traditional Indian arts and crafts or a customized version of an overseas art form. Lac handicraft sector is economically important from the point of view of low capital investment, high ratio of value addition and high potential for export and foreign exchange earnings for the country. The market is developing due to huge demand of its product in terms of utility, cost and aesthetics. Presently, the crafts and crafts people have a vital role to play in modern India not just as part of its culture and tradition, but as part of its economic future. The details of lac handicraft are discussed under the following headings-

1. Lac handicrafts items2. Lac handicrafts producer communities3. Regions of lac based handicraft industries 4. Raw materials used for lac based handicraft5. Tools used for lac based handicraft6. Lac handicraft making processes

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1. Lac Handicrafts ItemsUse of lac is well known in making jewelry, bangles, earrings and a range of decorative items. Lac is

used for holding the ornaments when it is being set with precious / semi-precious stones or enameled. When it comes to manufacture extremely attractive and utility lac handicrafts, use of superior quality lac imparts these handcrafted products long lasting features by embellishment of multicolored beads, sequins, embroidery and other decorative items and making them look more appealing. Lac handcrafted items also vary in designs, colors and finishes to suit the demand of clients.

Lac bangles are considered auspicious in several cultures of the country and therefore popular during marriage ceremonies in regions like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar. Lac bangles continue to be popular among married women in Rajasthan. They are preferred as they are soothing to wear and do not cause infections or irritations like in the case of plastic or glass bangles. Presently traditional colours have been replaced by a whole array of pastels and other colors preferred by customers. Sequins, semi-precious stones and glass work on lac bangles is quite popular today in Jaipur and

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Hyderabad. The old city of Hyderabad, once considered the main center for lac bangles but presently the number of families practicing the craft has declined substantially. The demand for lac bangles is showing an increasing trend in the international market. A number of lac artisans have migrated to Gulf countries from Hyderabad in search of bangle making trade.

Lac boxes in various elegant patterns, creative designs, colour combinations, styles and finish are much in demand. The Lac boxes are creatively designed following the latest fashion trend and are offered at leading market rates. There are number of competitors in designing and developing mesmerizing ranges of Lac pill box which are specially crafted for the storage of various valuable items.

Lac mirrors are available in stunning colors of ruby red, sky blue, salmon pink, gold etc. These are embellished with glass stone, sequins, metals and gems, which add gorgeousness to these mirrors. The glitter work of the lac mirrors makes them elegant. Lac mirrors are acclaimed for their eye-catchy designs, perfect finish and bright colors. Lac mirrors are suitable to enhance the glamorous look of the interior.

Being a quality driven customer, craftsmen are also involved in manufacturing and supplying an exclusive range of lac jewelry: bangles, necklaces and earrings; Lac decorative and utility items: pens, penholders, notebooks, phone books, calculator, camels, plates, cardholders, watches, flower pots etc. are shown in the photographs to understand the lac handicraft products. These are embellished with reflecting beads, metal pieces and colorful fabrics. Some of the lac based handicraft photographs are as follows;

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9Photographs- Lac based handicrafts items

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2. Lac handicraft producer community

Lakhera or laheras are the hereditary artisan community involved in lac bangle making in Jharkhand, Rajsthan, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

3. Regions of lac based handicraft industries

Lac handicrafts are being made in a number of clusters in the country and these clusters are indicated in the table:

Sl. No. Major Lac Handicraft producing states

Respective Districts

1. West Bengal Purulia2. Rajasthan Jaipur and Ajmer3. Jharkhand Ranchi and Khunti4. Bihar Muzaffarpur, Laheriasarai, Madhubani and Lakhisarai5. Telangana Hyderabad

4. Raw materials used for lac based handicraft

The Raw materials used for lac based handicraft making process are as follows:

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a. Lacb. Coalc. Sequinsd. Semiprecious stonese. Berozag. Giya pathar powderh. Colours in powder form– green, yellow (pevdi), white (safeda, lithophone), copper (mirgam), gold

(chamki) etc.

12Photographs- Raw materials used for lac based handicraft

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5. Tools used for lac based handicraft

The following tools are used during lac based handicraft product making process:a. Coal burner with flat steel plates /silla on topb. Round wooden rodc. Stone pieced. Shallow vessel (kadai)e. Iron bangles (for sizing)f. Tin foil g. Cutterh. Hattha (for pressing and shaping lac) i. Sequins picking tool etc.

Photographs- Tools used for lac based handicraft

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6. Lac handicraft making processes

During the Lac handicraft making processes; lac pieces are first melted in a shallow vessel or kadai. When it is in a semi-molten state, beroza, giya pathar powder and color are added to it. The mixture is stirred continuously. The coloured lac is now stuck on the end of a wooden stick. The lac (without pigment) stuck around a wooden rod is heated slowly over the coal burner or angethi. It is simultaneously pressed with a stone or a wooden tool called hattha at regular intervals. When it is sufficiently warm and soft, it is wrapped with the desired colour by rubbing the coloured lac stick on it evenly. The coloured lac stick also has to be warmed enough and is therefore heated over the burner. After the colour has been applied to the lac base it is shaped into a thin coil with the help of hattha and cut off from the plain lac rod.

For making lac bangle; the coil is heated over the burner so that the ends can be joined together to form a bangle. After being joined it is slipped through a round wooden beam (with a tapering end for different sizes) and adjusted for size.

The bangle is ready to be embellished with sequins, semi-precious stones, etc. The sequins are placed on a tin foil and heated over a burner. They are warmed so that they can melt the lac surface on which they are placed and stick there after solidification. They are picked up one at a time and stuck on the bangle. The process requires great precision. It takes much longer when working with smaller sized sequins. The details of this may understand with the help of two sets of photographs attached for the purpose.

15Photographs- Steps for Lac based handicraft (Lac bangles)

16Photographs- Steps for Lac based handicraft (Pen stand)

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Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts

Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) is a non-profit organisation and it was established in the year 1986-87 under the administrative control of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. EPCH is an apex body of handicrafts exporters for promotion of exports of handicrafts from country and projected India’s image abroad as a reliable supplier of high quality of handicrafts goods & services and ensured various measures keeping in view of observance of international standards and specification. The objectives of EPCH are to promote, support, protect, maintain and increase the export of handicrafts. The Council has necessary infrastructure as well as marketing and information facilities, which are availed both by the members exporters and importers. The different activities of EPCH are as follows-

• Providing commercially useful information and assistance to members in developing and increasingexports.

• Offering professional advice and services to members in areas of technology upgradation, qualityand design improvement, standards and specifications, product development, innovation etc.

• Organizing Indian handicrafts and gifts fair. • Organising visits of delegation of its members abroad to explore overseas market opportunities. • Participating in specialized international trade fairs of handicrafts & gifts. • To create an environment of awareness through workshops on “Export, Marketing, Procedures and

Documentation”, Packaging, Design development, Buyer Seller meet, Open house etc. interaction with central and state govt. and various other similar programmes.

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• Interaction between exporting community and government both at the central and state level and representation in almost all the committees / panels of central and state.

• Dissemination of government notification, orders, information on trade and other relevant information to members.

Advantages

Some of the important factors responsible for the success of the sector in the national and international market includes

• Low capital investment.• Traditional skills that impart unique flavour.• Eco friendly products.• Production innovation with the help of international designers.• High ratio of value addition.• Easy availability of raw material and labour.• High export potential.

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Sl. No. Name of the Agency & Address Specialization Contact No. / Email / WebsiteDelhi

1. Bhag Chand Ajay Kumar2092, Katra Tobacco, Khari BaoliDelhi - 110 006, India

Peacock +91-11-26681461www.indiamart.com/company/907256

2. Bright Indian Handicrafts1449/910-A30ANew Delhi - 110 001, India

Lac Handicrafts +91-9250034915www.indiamart.com/bright-indian-handicrafts

3. Crystal India205, 2nd Floor, Local Shopping Complex, 10, Pankaj TowerDelhi - 110092, India

Beaded, Sequins and Embroidery Products

+91-9810537473www.indiamart.com/crystalindia-delhi

4. LouveroH. No. 23 A, 3rd Floor, Street No. 5 J. Extension, Laxhmi NagarDelhi - 110092, India

Lac Photo Frame and Boxes

+91-8377806478www.indiamart.com/louvero

5. Prefix CandlesU.s. 238, Mandawali FazalpurDelhi - 110 092, India

Lac Products +91-9313914060www.indiamart.com/prefixcandles

List of suppliers for lac handicrat products

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Sl. No. Name of the Agency & Address Specialization Contact No. / Email / Website 6. Trendy Setter

No. 1653/2, Kucha Dakhni Rai Pataudi House, Darya GanjNew Delhi - 110 002, India

Pill/cufflink Boxes

+91-9953726572www.indiamart.com/trendysetter

7. VDS Creations Private LimitedF - 116/117, Vardhaman Enclave Karala, Delhi - 110081, India

Shellac Design-er Floral Trinket Boxes

+91-9911650324www.indiamart.com/vds-creations

Gujarat

8. Shree Maruti Glass TradersRabari Colony, Char RastaNear Mangaldeep PartyPlot No. H- 8, AmraiwadiAhmedabad - 380 015Gujarat, India

Lac Mirrors +91-9898685046www.indiamart.com/shree-maruti-glasstraders

9. IndolegacyValsad No. 6, Lower Silver Coin Appartment, Halar RoadValsad - 396001, Gujarat, India

Lac Handicraft +91-9898589437www.indiamart.com/indolegacy

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Sl. No. Name of the Agency & Address Specialization Contact No. / Email / Website 10. Vinay Engineering Corporation

No. 1, Kumar ComplexBehind Shethia BuildingKadiakui, Relief RoadAhmedabad-380001, Gujarat, India

Lac Pen With Diary

+91-9727056816www.indiamart.com/vinay-engineering

11. Mahamantra Rextile Private Ltd.No.504, 5th Floor, Corporate Office Building, Bombay MarketUmarwada, Surat-395010Gujarat, India

lac items +91-9377706078www.indiamart.com/company/3700352

Haryana 12. Mark International

475/4, New Railway RoadOpposite Saraswati ComplexGurgaon - 122 001, Haryana, India

Lac Handicrafts +91-9899823311www.indiamart.com/mark-int-gurgaon

13. Mark InternationalNo. 475/4, New Railway RoadOpposite Saraswati Commercial Complex, Gurgaon-122001Haryana, India

Lac Handicrafts +91-9899823311

www.indiamart.com/markintl

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Sl. No. Name of the Agency & Address Specialization Contact No. / Email / WebsiteJharkhand

14. Aadhya InternationalPlot No 165 /2. S.no.120Khunti - 835210, Jharkhand, India

Button Lac +91-7769926919www.indiamart.com/aadhya-interna-tional

15. Keshri Shellac OverseasNo. 325, Keshri House North Patel Nagar, Ranchi- 834003Jharkhand, India

Lac Buttons +91-8603031712www.indiamart.com/keshrishel-lac-overseas

16. Jharkhand State Co-Operative Lac Marketing and Procurement Federation Ltd (JASCOLAMPF) Purulia Road, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

Lac Handicrafts +91651-2532997mdjascolampf@gmail.comwww.jascolampf.com

17. TOT Division, ICAR-Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums, Namkum, Ranchi-834010Jharkhand, India

Lac Handicrafts +91651-2261154head.tot.iinrg @gmail.comwww.ilri.ernet.in

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Sl. No. Name of the Agency & Address Specialization Contact No. / Email / WebsiteKarnataka

18. Seed Design StudioNo. 341/ B, 13th MainShantiniketan LayoutArekere Banergatta RoadBengaluru-560 076 Karnataka, India

Lac Querware Toys

+91-9632544224www.indiamart.com/verandah

Maharashtra

19. Ashmendra CreationNo. 13/194, Bharat NagarBandra East, Mumbai - 400051

Lac Items +91-8286860992 / www.indiamart.com/ashmendra-creation

20. Golden Earth Exports No. 208, Shree Residency Pune - 411045, Maharashtra, India

Peacock +91-9049080809 / www.indiamart.com/company/1430452

21. Mela Handicrafts3, Kuntal, Ground FloorModi Estate, LBS RoadOpp. Chirag Nagar Police Stn.Ghatkopar (W), Mumbai - 411086

Lac Work +91-9833003099www.indiamart.com/mela-handicrafts

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Sl. No. Name of the Agency & Address Specialization Contact No. / Email / Website 22. Prachi Handicraft

Shirodkar Market, Shop No. 33 Near Elphinstone Bridge, Parel-12Mumbai-400012,Maharashtra, India

Lac Tray With Glass & Bowl

+91-9773389929www.indiamart.com/prachihandicraft

23. SanskritikkD404, TCS, Opposite IIT Main Gate, Powai, Mumbai - 400076

Lac Items +91-9768528292www.indiamart.com/sanskritikk

24. Thyiel HandicraftsB 38, Agnes House, Veer Savarkar Nagar, Thane-400606, Maharashtra

Lac Items +91-9867848160www.indiamart.com/company/623314

Punjab

25. Kanshi Ram Sham Lal & Co.Sheran Wala Gate, Daljit Singh Eye Hospital Amritsar-143001, Punjab

lac items +91-9779099201 / www.indiamart.com/company/3105149

Rajasthan

26. Al-Aaisha EnterprisesRN:36, 3rd Floor, 3rd Crossing Johari Bazar, Jaipur - 302003

Lac Wooden HandicraftEle-phant Set

+91-8587822239 / www.indiamart.com/al-aaishaenterprises

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Sl. No. Name of the Agency & Address Specialization Contact No. / Email / Website 27. Amar Enterprises

B-3, Vinayak Apartments, C-1Prithviraj Road, C-SchemeNear Chomu House CircleJaipur - 302001, Rajasthan, India

Lac Mirror Work Elephant

+91-8588850818www.indiamart.com/amarenterprisesjaipur

28. Mahesh HandicraftsA-21, Choti ChauperGovind Dev ColonyBehind Chogan StadiumGangori Bazar Jaipur - 302002Rajasthan, India

Lac Products for Interior Decora-tion

+91-8377807898www.maheshhandicrafts.in

29. Maruti Sandal ArtsNo. 840, Bagru Walon Ka Rasta Near 1st Cross, Chandpole Bazar Jaipur - 302001, Rajasthan, India

Lac Boxes +91-8447570142www.artofhandicrafts.com

30. Nirmala HandicraftsNo. 1/2, Bas Badanpura Main RoadOut Of Gangapole Gate Jaipur -302002, Rajasthan,India

Lac Diary +91-9953353133www.nirmalahandicrafts.com

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Sl. No. Name of the Agency & Address Specialization Contact No. / Email / Website 31. Rela International

B- 4, Rela ChambersRaghunath Colony Near Galta Gate Police Station, Jaipur - 302003

Lac Bowl +91-9654402071www.rela-international.co.in

32. Shrinath Art GalleryA- 20, Galta RoadRamganj Bazaar, Jaipur-302003

Lac Box +91-8447563680www.indiamart.com/snag

33. Surya HandicraftsA - 389, Ramganj BazaarGalta Road, Jaipur-302002

Lac Mirrored Items

+91-8373904578www.suryahandicrafts.in

34. Surya HandicraftsA- 20, Hida Ki MoriForward Gurudwara, Galta RoadRamganj Bazar, Jaipur-302003

Lac Box +91-8447563672www.suryahandicrafts.net

35. Surya HandicraftsNo. 2/75, Nagar Nigam ColonyBehind Hotel Holiday InnAmer Road, Jaipur-302002

Lac Stone Diary +91-8376808200www.suryahandicrafts.com

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Sl. No. Name of the Agency & Address Specialization Contact No. / Email / WebsiteTamil Nadu 36. Jayra Overseas

No. 22/1, M. S. M, CastleKongu Nagar, 2nd StreetMugappair, Chennai - 600037Tamil Nadu, India

Lac Elephant +91-9842423559www.indiamart.com/jayra-overseas

37. Varrmas ArtsNo. 11, Simson Nagar, 2nd Street South Extension, Edayarpalayam Coimbatore – 641025Tamil Nadu, India

Lac Decorative Articles

+91-9894798922www.indiamart.com/varrmas-arts

Uttar Pradesh 38. Alliance Export

Majholi, Lane-2, Khushalpur Road Moradabad-244001,UP, India

Lac Item +91-9412240953www.indiamart.com/company/630514

39. Bharat Exim InternationalA – 158, Sector – 83, Phase – 2 Extension, Noida – 201305UP, India

Lac Jewel Box +91-8376807321www.bharatexim.co.in

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Sl. No. Name of the Agency & Address Specialization Contact No. / Email / Website 40. Bioved

103/42 M.L.N. Road(Prayag Station Road) Allahabad-211002, UP, India

Lac Handicrafts 0532-2465678www.bioved.co.in

41. India Exports TodayC-66, Hosiery COmplex, Phase-2 Extension, Noida 201305, UP, India

Lac Glitter Pill Box

+91-9910092771www.indiamart.com/india-exports-today

42. Metal Design Inc. Old Ice Factory, Lane No. 2Galshaheed, Moradabad - 244001Uttar Pradesh, India

Lac Pill Box +91-8588802597www.indiamart.com/metaldesigninc

43. Qureshi BrothersMohalla Nawada, Sarai Tarin Sambhal - 244303Uttar Pradesh, India

Lac HornCoaster

+91-9690509786www.indiamart.com/qureshibrothers

44. Vijay ExportsAshirwad Kutir, Pipri RoadSonbhadra, Robertsganj-231216Uttar Pradesh, India

Lac Handicrafts +91-9415205866www.indiamart.com/vijayexports

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Sl. No. Name of the Agency & Address Specialization Contact No. / Email / WebsiteUttarakhand

45. Shubh CraftNo. 30, Civil LineRoorkee - 247667UttarakhandIndia

Decorative Box With Lac work

+91-9997999359www.indiamart.com/shubhcraft

West Bengal

46. Global Trading Company No. 6 - A, Clive RowKolkata - 700001West BengalIndia

Rubber Items +91-9748565201www.indiamart.com/global-trading-company

47. Tolaram Overseas Corporation122A, Chittaranjan AvenueGanapati Chambers, 3rd FloorKolkata - 700073West BengalIndia

Stick Lac +91-33-22190124www.indiamart.com/tolaram

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Conclusion

Lac is produced on a large scale and its handicraft is quite an old art in India and it is being made in a number of clusters in the country. Lac handicraft required support in some specific areas; to provide a big leap and leads to rural employment accorded to provide support to lac production sector. Lac handicrafts need to be developed into an organized sector through a mechanism which would entail convergence of a number of stakeholders at every stage of chain. The chain includes development/creation of production clusters to ensure sustain supply of lac, the basic raw material, conversion link for processing of the raw lac to refined lac, facility for preparation of formulations of lac to be used in the making of the handicraft, unit to make various types of handicrafts supported by suitably trained manpower, appropriate tools/equipments, packaging, labeling, promotion and marketing through exclusive outlets and regular marketing chains and technology centers for development of techniques, formulations, equipments/tools and designs including skill development. There is a vast scope to extend the lac based handicrafts products in the country and abroad to provide livelihood support to tribal population of the country.