The abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir has heralded transformative changes in various sectors, with the agriculture industry experiencing a notable shift. One standout success story is the resurgence of the Kashmir lotus stem, locally known as “nadru,” which has witnessed a significant boost in international trade, offering renewed hope to the region’s lotus farmers.
Under the proactive initiatives led by the Agriculture Department Kashmir, the agricultural landscape of the valley has undergone remarkable changes. A notable highlight emerged in December 2022, with the establishment of a groundbreaking Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) dedicated to the export of lotus stems, including the prized nadru, to foreign markets. This development has breathed new life into the once-struggling nadru farmers around Dal Lake.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 99th episode of the monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ Radio program on March 26, acknowledged and commended the creation of the FPO for the sale of Lotus Stems, emphasizing its positive impact on the local agricultural community.
Chowdhary Muhammad Iqbal, Director of Agriculture Kashmir, shared that the department has been working diligently on promoting the lotus stem both nationally and internationally. He remarked, “In addition to various Indian states, we have successfully exported lotus stem to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. We are striving to showcase and promote all varieties cultivated within the picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar.”
This year witnessed a historic milestone as the department distributed a substantial quantity of lotus seedlings, nurtured across diverse farms, among farmers throughout the valley. This effort aimed to further propel lotus cultivation and production, setting a new record in the annals of Kashmir’s agricultural history.
Chowdhary asserted that Kashmiri lotus stems boast a quality far superior to artificially cultivated varieties found in other parts of the country. He expressed, “Kashmiri lotus is not only delicious but possesses a unique taste that had remained untapped until now. Our endeavor is to now promote it on a larger scale.”
Formerly beleaguered by inadequate market connections, Dal Lake farmers often faced meager compensation for their harvests. However, the establishment of the pioneering FPO has radically altered their fortunes, presenting a significant step forward for exporting this distinctive lotus stem to foreign shores.
Shahnawaz Hussain, a nadru farmer hailing from Akhone Mohalla, Dal Lake, shared his experience. Previously confined to selling their yield within local markets, they grappled with fluctuating prices. “Now, intermediaries are eliminated, and the market has witnessed substantial improvement. We receive a fair price for our produce right at our doorstep, courtesy of the FPO,” Shahnawaz asserted. With over 10 quintals of nadru harvested from his 20 kanals of Dal Lake land, he attested to the FPO’s transformative impact.
Directly facilitating value addition and guidance in international market sales, the FPO has enabled two consignments of nadru to be dispatched from Dal Lake to destinations both within and beyond the region, fetching handsome returns for the farmers.
Officially christened as “Dal Lake Lotus Stem Farmers Producer Company Ltd.” under the Companies Act, the FPO’s establishment was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Srinagar’s district administration, the Agriculture Department, and support from NABARD under the Central Sector Scheme.
The positive response from farmers involved with nadru cultivation is palpable, with hopes that this export avenue will inspire the younger generation to explore entrepreneurship in this field. Mohammad Abass, Managing Director of the FPO, credited the notion’s inception to a year prior, and lauded the instrumental support of Director Agriculture Kashmir in its realization.
Presently, the FPO has connected 250 nadru farmers from Dal Lake, with ambitious plans to expand its network to encompass 2000 farmers. Abass underscored the groundbreaking nature of this initiative, noting that it marks the first instance of such wide-scale export. He added, “Farmers are now reaping maximal benefits, a transformation that is poised to enhance their financial well-being. It is noteworthy that the lotus stem is 100 per cent organic.”
As the FPO continues to flourish, it stands as a testament to the resilience of Kashmir’s agriculture sector, the collaborative spirit of its stakeholders, and the promising future it paints for lotus stem farmers in the region.
