Annual Income of Milan Singh Vishwakarma Soars from Extensive Lac Farming on a 26-Acre Plot in Chhattisgarh, prices set at Rs 700 per kilogram.
In the heart of Chhattisgarh, Milan Singh Vishwakarma, a visionary farmer from the Mahasamund district, has made a name for himself in the world of sustainable agriculture and lac entrepreneurship. His innovative approach to lac farming has earned him multiple honours at the district, state, and national levels.
Spread across 26 acres, Milan's lac farm is a testament to his dedication and innovation. He cultivates two major varieties of lac: Kusumi Lac and Rangini Lac. Under ideal temperature conditions, Milan achieves yields of 6 to 10 quintals per acre for Kusumi Lac and 8 to 20 quintals per acre for Rangini Lac, particularly on Ber trees.
The market price for lac resin, a valuable raw material used in the production of artificial jewellery, decorative items, adhesives and resins, varnishes, and sealing wax, is around Rs. 700 per kilogram. Traders visit farmers directly to procure the produce, helping them retain a greater share of the profits. As a result, Milan earns lakhs of rupees annually in net profit from his farm.
Milan adopts eco-friendly farming methods such as integrated pest management and organic treatments to combat major challenges like pest attacks and fungal infections, especially during the rainy season. He regularly consults agricultural scientists to ensure healthy lac resin production and maintain high-quality yields. This approach helps mitigate environmental impacts and promotes sustainable agriculture.
Lac farming not only provides a lucrative income but also contributes significantly to the local ecology. Host trees like Palash and Ber contribute to increasing green cover, soil conservation, and combating the effects of climate change. Thus, lac farming supports both livelihood generation and environmental sustainability, serving as a resilient agricultural model in the face of climate variability.
The success of Milan Singh's lac farming story is a shining example of innovation in agriculture and the multifaceted benefits of lac farming in India. His model aligns with the principles of the Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN), a national initiative aimed at nurturing agri-entrepreneurs and spreading best practices among farming communities.
The GFBN, a dynamic platform where agricultural professionals connect, share knowledge, and collaborate to drive agricultural innovation and sustainable development, has welcomed Milan as a member. He has joined the network to share his knowledge and mentor aspiring farmers, further spreading the benefits of sustainable lac farming.
Investments in lac value chains, producer groups, and market linkages have empowered women and rural communities in Jharkhand and similar regions, boosting income security and economic independence through sustainable forest resources. The Indian government’s initiatives like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), which promotes organic and climate-smart agriculture, including Large Area Certification (LAC) for traditionally organic regions, also align with the principles demonstrated in Milan Singh’s lac farming success.
In conclusion, Milan Singh Vishwakarma's lac farming story highlights how innovative, sustainable agricultural practices can generate significant income, empower rural communities, and contribute to environmental conservation. His model underscores lac farming’s potential as an economically viable and ecologically sound approach to agriculture in India’s changing climate.
In alignment with his successful lac farming practices, Milan Singh Vishwakarma is now venturing into the realm of finance, seeking investments to expand his business and share the benefits of sustainable agriculture with more farmers. As a respected agri-entrepreneur and a member of the Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN), he aims to inspire other farmers and promote sustainable development through innovative financial strategies.
Capitalizing on the potential of lac farming, Milan's entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond agriculture, as he looks to invest in value chains, producer groups, and market linkages, empowering more rural communities and contributing to the vibrant Indian economy. This dynamic approach to finance combined with sustainable agricultural practices further solidifies Milan's role as a visionary entrepreneur in the agribusiness sector.
