Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Lac cut from the host plant is called "stick lac".
Statement (II): Lac used for manufacturing purpose harvested after larval swarming has occurred, is "Phunki lac".
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct

Hint:

Remember the harvesting terms in lac culture:
- "Stick lac" is raw lac on the twigs as harvested.
- "Ari lac" is harvested before larval swarming (live insects inside).
- "Phunki lac" is harvested after larval swarming (empty cells).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In lac culture (lacculture), harvesting and processing terminology is standardized to describe different stages and grades of the resin product.
These grades are determined by how and when the lac is harvested from the host trees.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:
Statement (I) asserts that lac cut from the host plant is called "stick lac."
This is correct.
When the lac crop is mature, farmers harvest it by cutting the infested twigs of the host trees.
These twigs, covered with the resinous encrustation of the lac insects, are called "stick lac."
This is the raw, unprocessed form of lac as it is harvested from the forest.
Thus, Statement (I) is correct.
Statement (II) states that lac used for manufacturing that is harvested after larval swarming is called "Phunki lac."
This is also correct.
During the life cycle of the lac insect, the mature females release hundreds of tiny crawlers (larvae) in a process called "swarming."
If the lac is harvested before swarming occurs, it is called "Ari lac" (which contains live insects and has a higher moisture and dye content).
If the lac is harvested after the larvae have swarmed out, leaving empty resinous shells on the twigs, it is called "Phunki lac" (or "Phunki").
Phunki lac is lighter, contains fewer insect bodies, and is processed and used for manufacturing shellac and other industrial products.
Since both statements are correct, the correct option is (A).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct as they accurately define raw "stick lac" and post-swarming "Phunki lac" within the terminology of lac culture.