A breakthrough 'sucker technology' introduced by SKUAST is transforming waterlogged areas in Kashmir into highly profitable lotus stem (Nadru) plantations.

  • SKUAST's new sucker technology simplifies lotus stem harvesting.
  • Farmers are shifting from rice to lotus stem in waterlogged Wular Lake areas.
  • Potential earnings are projected at ₹40,000 to ₹50,000 per kanal.

The agricultural landscape of the Kashmir Valley is undergoing a significant transformation. A new 'sucker technology', introduced by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) extension unit of SKUAST in Bandipora, is revolutionizing the cultivation of lotus stems, locally known as Nadru.

This strategic initiative aims to address the long-standing challenges of harvesting lotus stems from deep water bodies and to restore the production levels that have declined in natural water bodies like Wular Lake since 2014. Traditionally, harvesting in deep lakes was labor-intensive and economically inefficient.

Read Also:Retail Sales Unexpectedly Fall in July as Government Tax Refunds Fade

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this technological intervention is a direct response to environmental shifts. Farmers in the Wular bank areas, who previously suffered devastating crop losses due to flooding and lodging in rice fields, are now converting these waterlogged wastelands into highly productive lotus stem plots.

The implementation of sucker technology marks a shift from traditional subsistence farming to high-value commercial horticulture in flood-prone zones.

Agricultural experts are reporting immense success from initial demonstration farms. The projected yields are as high as 10 quintals per kanal, with estimated earnings ranging between 40,000 to 50,000 rupees per kanal, offering a lifeline to local agrarian communities.

Diversification and Entrepreneurship

Beyond the primary sale of raw vegetables, the technology paves the way for significant post-harvest value addition. There is growing potential for producing lotus stem chips, French fries, and specialized flours. This diversification is expected to stimulate agri-entrepreneurship among the local youth, turning traditional farming into a modern business venture.

Did You Know?: Lotus stems are increasingly being recognized globally as a superfood due to their high fiber and nutrient content.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the sucker technology help farmers? It makes the harvesting of lotus stems in deep, waterlogged areas much easier and more efficient compared to traditional methods.

2. What is the economic impact of this change? It allows farmers to utilize flooded lands that were previously useless for rice, generating significant revenue from lotus stem cultivation.