Lac, known as shellac in its refined form is a secretion from an insect. Lac has been known in India since ancient times.

Durg and Kanker account for maximum output in the state.

Production and Pricing

Trade of Lac in Mandis of Bastar Division (in MT)

As seen from the above figure, trading of Lac is down to negligible in the Mandis of Bastar. The study by us in Sarguja indicates that villagers collect lac from the trees in the rainy season and keep those for occasions. They generally sell it in the nearby shops at Rs 12-15 per kg, though its price in Ambikapur is around Rs 30 per kg. These are used as a substitute to agarbati.