NEW DELHI, MAR 25: In his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the growing demand for lotus stalks in Kashmir, known locally as ‘Nadru’.
“When there is talk of Kashmir, talk of lotus, talk of flowers, talk of fragrance, then it is very natural to remember Maa Sharda who is seated on the lotus flower. A few days ago, the Grand Temple of Maa Sharda was inaugurated in Kupwara. This temple is built on the same route one would use to go to visit Sharda Peeth. The local people have helped a lot in the construction of this Temple. I congratulate the people of Jammu and Kashmir for this auspicious work,” the Prime minister stated in 99th Mann ki Baat.
“When it comes to Kashmir or Srinagar, the first picture that comes to our mind is of her valleys and Dal Lake. All of us would like to enjoy the views of Dal Lake…However, there is one more thing special about Dal Lake. Dal Lake is also known for its delicious Lotus Stems, also known as ‘Kamal Kakdi’. Lotus stems are known by different names in different places across the country. In Kashmir, they are called Nadru. The demand for Nadru of Kashmir is continuously increasing,” the Prime minister stated.
He added that looking at the growing demand for Nadru, farmers have created a Farmers Producer Organization (FPO), and 250 farmers have become part of it.
Today, the farmers are able to export the FPOs to foreign countries. Recently, they sent two sets to UAE. This not only takes the name of Kashmir, but also increases the income of the farmers,” he said.
PM Modi also spoke about the farmers who have moved towards growing lavender and the benefits they are getting through the government’s aroma scheme.
Another effort by Kashmiri farmers is spreading the fragrance of its success. Actually, there is a small town of Bhadarwah, in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. The farmers traditionally used to grow maize, but some farmers decided to do something innovative. They moved towards floristry. Under this, around 2,500 farmers grow lavender. They have also benefited from the government’s Aroma scheme. This has increased their income several times. And today, along with the lavender, the fragrance of their success is also spreading,” he added.
He said that in this month of March, from Holi to Navratri, we have been busy with many festivals. The holy month of Ramzan has also started. The auspicious festival of Shri Ram Navami is also going to be celebrated in the next few days. After this… Mahavir Jayanti, Good Friday and Easter will also be observed. In the month of April, we also celebrate the birth anniversaries of two great personalities of India. These are two great men – Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, and Babasaheb Ambedkar. Both these great men made unprecedented contributions to eradicate discrimination from society
