Six New lac Insect species discovered

ICAR-Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums celebrated its 95th Foundation Day on 20 September. Prof. (Dr.) M. P. Sinha, Vice-Chancellor, Sidho Kanhu Murmu University Dumka and Swami Bhaveshananda, Secretary, R. K. Mission Ashram, Ranchi were the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour.

Dignitaries and a large number of distinguished scientists from CTCRI, ICAR-Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Regional Center of ICAR-RCER, Regional Station of NBPGR, NABARD, TRIFED, Udyoginian NGO and retired staff of the ICAR-IINRG participated in the programme.  

While welcoming the Chief Guest, Director of the Institute Dr. KK Sharma apprised of the achievements, technologies developed and transferred by the institute specially mentioning the technology of lac coating on several agricultural products. He also mentioned the discovery of six new lac insect species. Chief Guest Prof. (Dr.) MP Sinha congratulated the Institute for its significant contribution towards lac farming. Swami Bhaveshananda said that lac quality is good at and around areas of. 

He further added that emphasis needs to be given not only on production but on productivity as well as the quality of lac. A memorial lecture was delivered by Dr. VV Ramamurthy, Adjunct Professor, IARI in the honour of Founder Director of the erstwhile Indian Lac Research Institute, Ms. Dorothy Norris on this occasion. 

A MoU was exchanged between ICAR-IINRG and Udyogini - an NGO involved in imparting training programme for management to women in underprivileged areas. On this occasion, distinguished workers of the institute in various categories viz. Scientific, technical, administrative and supporting were awarded certificates and trophies for their commendable contribution in their sphere of work. Dr. S. Ghosal, PS, Convener and Dr. Thamilarasi, K., Dr. A Mohanasundaram and Ms. Shruti Sinha were the Co-conveners of the programmes. September 19, 2018, was declared as an open day for the public in which over 800 students from nine schools spread over the Ranchi city visited the institute. They were shown around the Museum, Lac video film, Short video on Swatchchh Bharat Mission and Research Farm of the Institute.