Bandipora, Jun 12: In a bid to revive the lotus crop along the banks of Wular Lake in North Kashmir’s Bandipora District, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Potushai Bandipora planted lotus stems across four kanals of land.
The initiative is aimed at restoring lotus production, which had declined significantly after the floods of 2014.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Tariq Sultan, Head of KVK Bandipora said that the purpose of planting lotus stems is to rejuvenate the lotus cultivation along the Banks of Wular Lake.
He also said that the effort could provide new employment opportunities for local youth and will enable them to earn a livelihood by cultivating lotus plants in their agricultural fields.
Dr. Tariq further said that the lotus stems have been planted on a trial basis. If successful, the initiative will be expanded to more villages situated along the lake’s banks, where there is considerable work to be done to improve the area.
He said that the lotus flower is not only an integral part of Kashmir’s cultural heritage but also holds immense potential in terms of economic benefits. “By cultivating lotus, we hope to provide an alternative income source for local farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices. We are hopeful that lotus farming will bring new opportunities and prosperity to our community.”
The environmental impact of lotus cultivation is another significant aspect of the project, he said, adding that Lotus plants are known for their ability to purify water bodies by absorbing pollutants, thus contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem.
Tariq said that as the lotus plants begin to bloom, there is growing anticipation about the potential for eco-tourism. The picturesque lotus fields are expected to attract tourists, adding another layer of economic benefit to the valley.
A local farmer expressed gratitude to KVK Bandipora for this revitalization effort, saying that lotus plants had been dwindling in the lake for the past two decades and hoped this project would succeed and be widely adopted.
