Shellac and Forest Products Industry & Exports in India

Introduction

India produces a variety of non-timber forest/agricultural products (NTFPs) and has a global footprint in the export of such produce.

Some of India's noteworthy produce includes:

• Sesame seeds: Food applications, Ayurvedic health treatments. India exported sesame seeds worth US$ 514.60 million in 2018-19 and stood at US$ 471.41 million in 2019-20 (till January 2020).
• Guar gum: Emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer for a wide range of foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. India exported guargum worth US$ 674.88 million in 2018-19 and in 2019-20 (till January 2020) worth US$ 342.53 million.
• Shellac: Wood polish, food and drug coatings, cosmetics. Exports of Shellac from India stood at US$ 43.32 million in 2018-19 and reached US$ 18.12 million in 2019-20 (till July).
• Tendu leaf: Bidi wrapping. Exports of US$ 7.08 million in 2018-19 and US$ 4.54 million in 2019-20 (till January 2020).
• Tree-borne oil seeds: Biodiesel, medicines, dyes, tanning, fertilizers, pest control, varnish
• Medicinal plants: Cosmetics and medicines
• Bamboo, rattans and canes: Furniture, handicraft, housing, food, paper. Bamboo exports reached US$ 0.69 million in 2018-19 and US$ 0.35 million in 2019-20 (till January 2020).
• Isabgol: Purgative

Key Markets and Export Destinations

India has been recording consistent growth in the export of NTFP over the last five years. It is the largest exporter of guar gum, sesame seeds and shellac, and the second largest exporter of medicinal plants in the world. India produces large volumes of NTFPs that are globally acknowledged for their quality. Moreover, NTFPs play a large role in contributing to the lives of millions of rural and forest-dependent poor people. Guar gum, vegetable saps and sesame seeds are some of the major export items. The main export destinations for guar gum are the US, China and Germany.

SHELLAC AND FOREST PRODUCTS EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL (SHEFEXIL)

SHEFEXIL was formerly known as Shellac Export Promotion Council, which had been working in partnership with the industry since 1957 as the catalysing agency for the long-term development and export promotion of shellac and lac-based products.