Lac insect helps make livelihood for rural families in Gopalganj

GOPALGANJ, Aug 30: Hundreds of families in different parts of Gopalganj are earning a living by collecting and selling the resinous substance produced by lac (Kerria lacca) insect on rain trees, locally known as “virus-infected” trees.

Although locals commonly describe the affected trees as being infected with a “virus,” experts say the white, sticky substance found on the branches is actually produced by lac insects.

The resin, known as lac, is used to make varnish, shellac, lipstick and various cosmetic products. It is sold at good prices, prompting some people to leave their previous occupations and take up lac collection as a source of income.

Lac collection is currently underway in villages of Bharadashur, Mochna and Pashargati unions in Muksudpur Upazila, as well as in different areas of Gopalganj Sadar.

Some people have also purchased roadside tree plantations in advance to collect lac later. The collection process continues from morning until evening.

Young workers visit villages in search of rain trees with branches covered with white, sticky lac deposits and reddish areas where lac insects are present.

Once they identify heavily infested branches, they negotiate a price with the tree owners and cut the branches. Female workers are then hired to remove the lac from the branches. They are paid Tk 30 per kilogram for the work.

Hasan Molla of Muksudpur said he visits different villages to identify rain trees affected by lac insects.

"We identify the affected trees, hire workers to cut the branches and bring them home by van. We then remove the lac and take it to the market for sale," he said.

Sohel Rana, a former student of Gopalganj Science and Technology University, said he hires workers to collect lac and sells it to wholesalers.

"I buy it for Tk 350-500 per kilogram and sell it for around Tk 550. It used to sell for Tk 900-1,000 per kilogram, but the price has declined now," he said.

Dr Nasima Begum, chairman of the Department of Botany at Gopalganj Science and Technology University, said the substance was not caused by a virus, as commonly believed by locals.

"It is produced by lac insects. The insects complete their life cycle on the branches of trees, during which a white, sticky substance accumulates on the branches," she said.

According to her, the substance is used to produce shellac and high-quality adhesives for furniture polishing, as well as in cosmetics.

She said proper lac collection and cultivation could create employment opportunities for young people and help reduce dependence on imported lac.