Promotion of ‘Nadru’

Recently, the newly formed Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) which comprises of 250 farmers from Dal lake interiors has exported two consignments of lotus stem to UAE. Experts are of the opinion that this will boost the economy of the farmers by selling their produce in national and international markets and also shows the committed resolve of the government towards empowering farmers. It is a fact that Nadru (Lotus stem) is a very popular delicacy that is much loved by the people of Kashmir. An unconventional farming though, Nadru is not grown like other cash or home consumption crops. While Dal and Mansbal are popular for Nadru extraction, Wular is also known for quality Nadru that makes up the diet and delicacy of thousands of people in Kashmir valley. Therefore, the lakes of Kashmir are not only important to the species that inhabit these water bodies but to the people as well, as their livelihood and sustenance depends on them. In the conservation efforts so far, an all inclusive approach has not been strictly observed. Conservationists are primarily concerned about human encroachments due to which the area of water bodies has shrunk to a low. Rarely is there a talk about the water beds and very rarely is there a research effort to study the lake beds or basins and find out if all is right. Many experts are of the opinion that floods, massive encroachments, use of excessive pesticides and weedicides may have damaged the settled sediments in the lake basins. The disturbance may have a large effect on the ecosystem, Nadru produce is just one case. Nadru, Kashmiri’s delight as a snack or even in the main course meal, has to be preserved. It is about the food, the livelihood of hundreds of families whose only means of living is extraction; it is about the whole ecosystem and about the people who though not directly but indirectly derive benefits from the healthy lake system of Kashmir. Nadru being an unconventional crop demands the same attention as any other crop that is feared to fail. Its extraction needs to be regulated. If the lotus produce has to go up in the future that needs a thorough study highlighting the reasons for its meager individual produce. Considering the uniqueness of Kashmiri lotus stem (Nadru),   Government and the concerned authorities should promote it in future as well by providing timely assistance in its export to the different international markets.