Marketing Pattern, Processing Economics and M...

Marketing Pattern, Processing Economics and Marketing Efficiency of Lac Produced By Women Self-Help Groups in Kanker District of Chhattisgarh

Author Name : Mariya Shilpa Ekka, Hulas Pathak, Yashaswi Dhruw, Demeshwar Singh

ABSTRACT Lac cultivation is an important forest-based livelihood activity in tribal regions of India, particularly in Chhattisgarh. The present study analyzes the marketing pattern and cost of processing of lac undertaken by a women Self-Help Group (SHG) in Kanker district of Chhattisgarh. Primary data were collected from all 11 members of Radha SHG through structured interview schedules for two consecutive production years. Economic analysis revealed that average lac production was 542 kg per acre, with an average total cost of ₹56,337.53 per acre and average net income of ₹1,03,744.97 per acre. The input–output ratio (1:2.84) and benefit–cost ratio (1:1.84) indicated strong economic viability. Marketing analysis showed that 45.11 per cent of produce was sold to processing units, 26.03 per cent to wholesalers, 17.85 per cent to lac growers, and 10 per cent to local traders. Processing analysis revealed a conversion efficiency of 73 per cent seedlac recovery from sticklac, with per kg processing cost of ₹25.77 and net profit margin of ₹25.87 per kg. Marketing efficiency analysis using Shepherd’s formula and Acharya’s method indicated moderate efficiency with scope for improvement through collective marketing and value addition. The study concludes that lac-based SHG enterprises are economically viable but constrained by limited market information, capital, and technical knowledge. Strengthening training, processing capacity, and direct market linkages can significantly enhance income and marketing efficiency.