HT Correspondent
JORHAT, May 17: The 3rd National Lac Insect Day was organised by the Network Project on ‘Conservation of Lac Insect Genetic Resources’ at the department of Entomology, Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat in collaboration with The Entomological Society of India (ESI) North East Chapter, on Thursday.
Dr Lakshmi Kanta Hazarika, former dean of the faculty of Agriculture, AAU, Jorhat, graced the occasion as the chief guest and emphasised the importance of lac insects and their conservation, as well as entrepreneurship development, particularly in the north-eastern region of India. Dr Hazarika underscored the critical role of lac insects in the ecosystem and their economic significance. Recently, ESI conferred the honorary fellow award to Dr L K. Hazarika for his immense contribution in the field of Entomology.
Related Posts:
Dr Binita Baishya Kalita, professor and head, department of Textile and Apparel Designing, College of Community Science, AAU, Jorhat, also shared the potential of lac in entrepreneurship development.
Dr Purnima Das, associate professor and principal investigator of the Conservation of Lac Insect Genetic Resources (CLIGR) project, AAU, Jorhat, briefed the attendees on the project’s achievements. Dr Das showcased the utility of lac dye in the dyeing industry through informative video clips of lac, highlighting the potential of this natural resource.
The event successfully raised awareness about the significance of lac insects and the necessity of their conservation, fulfilling the objectives of National Lac Insect Genetic Resources.
Earlier, Dr Badal Bhattacharyya, professor & head, department of Entomology, in his welcome address provided insights into the significance of lac day and the Entomological Society of India, North East Chapter.
Altogether 73 members including six lac farmers, professors, students from the department of Entomology and College of Community Science, research scholars, attended the event. The event concluded with the felicitation of students for significant achievements by professors and invited guests.
