Now Reading: New sucker technology boosts lotus stem farming in Kashmir
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New sucker technology boosts lotus stem farming in Kashmir
A new sucker technology developed by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra extension unit of SKUAST in Bandipora is transforming lotus stem (nadru) cultivation across the Kashmir Valley. The initiative aims to overcome traditional…
A new sucker technology developed by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra extension unit of SKUAST in Bandipora is transforming lotus stem (nadru) cultivation across the Kashmir Valley. The initiative aims to overcome traditional harvesting difficulties in deep lakes and restore production lost in natural water bodies like Wular Lake since 2014.
Farmers in Wular bank areas, who previously suffered crop losses due to flooding and lodging in rice fields, are converting waterlogged wastelands into profitable lotus stem plots. Agricultural experts report success with initial demonstration farms, projecting yields up to 10 quintals per kanal and earnings of Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 per kanal for farmers.
Beyond raw vegetable sales, the technology offers post-harvest opportunities such as lotus stem chips, French fries, and flour, encouraging local youth toward agricultural entrepreneurship and crop diversification.
Indian Opinion Analysis
This shift from rice to lotus stem addresses a structural problem in Kashmir's agriculture: waterlogged fields along Wular Lake have been yielding poor rice harvests due to flooding. Lotus stem, a traditional Kashmiri delicacy, thrives in such conditions and commands premium prices in local markets. If the projected yields of 10 quintals per kanal hold, nadru could earn farmers three to four times more per kanal than rice. The success of this pilot will depend on scaling the sucker technology beyond Bandipora and building processing infrastructure for chips and flour. Watch for SKUAST's next expansion plan for more districts.
Source: indiatoday.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
