The Network Project on Harvesting, Processing and Value Addition of Natural Resins and Gums was launched on 9th February, 2009 to carry out the location-specific and multidisciplinary research on different aspects of resins and gums. All the natural resins are of vegetable origin with the exception of lac and similar insect exudations which harden on exposure to air. Natural gums come out as exudates from the trunk of gum producing tree as a response to injury. Gums are also extracted from seeds, seed coats, micro-organisms etc. Indonesia, India and China are among the World's major producers of gums and resins. India is major exporter of lac, guar, karaya, asafoetida and importer of rosins, gum arabic, asafoetida and olibanum.

Resins are largely used in surface coating formulations for several applications like wood furniture polishes/ varnishes, paints, lacquers, food and pharmaceuticals, adhesives, insulations, cosmetics, handicrafts, jewelry etc. Some of the resins like lac are very good source of several bio-active compounds of various uses. The gums and gum-resins are mostly used in food (thickening/ gelling agents, stabilizers, emulsifiers), pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles and chemical industries. In several application areas there are no substitutes for these natural products while in some synthetic alternatives are available and used. In recent years, due to back to the nature trend there has been a revival of interest in natural resins and gums extracted from forests by rural and tribal people who depend on these resources to sustain their livelihood. Two-fold increase in demand is expected due to realization for eco-friendly and safe natural materials for human contact and consumption. Keeping in view the immense potential of these natural, non-toxic and bio-degradable products of social, livelihood and industrial importance, the ICAR decided to include these as part of the regular research programmes at Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums, Ranchi.

In order to address the harvesting, processing and value addition of region-specific gums and resins, an outreach programme in a Network mode was sanctioned during XIth Plan with IINRG, Ranchi as lead center and six other Network co-operating centers. The Network project in XIth Plan covered the aspects of harvesting/tapping, processing and value addition of three gums (Guar Gum, Karaya Gum and Gum Arabic), one resin (Pine resin) and one oleo gum-resin (Guggul).

Apart from these gums and resins covered under the Network Project during XIth Plan, there were other gums and resins of commercial importance which needed R&D attention. Hence, three more centers were included in the project in XIIth plan to look after these gums and resins (Tamarind seed gum, Dammar and Pinus kesiya resin).