Sucker Technology Boosts Kashmir Lotus Stem Farming, Replaces Rice In Waterlogged Wular Fields

UPDATED: Aug 21, 2026 15:08 ISTA new sucker technology introduced by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra extension unit of SKUAST in Bandipora is transforming lotus stem (nadru) cultivation across Kashmir Valley. The initiative aims to overcome traditional harvesting difficulties in deep lakes and restore production lost in natural water bodies like Wular Lake since 2014. Farmers in Wular bank areas, previously suffering crop losses due to flooding and lodging in rice fields, are converting waterlogged wastelands into profitable lotus stem plots. Agricultural experts report success with initial demonstration farms, projecting yields up to 10 quintals per kanal and earnings of 40,000 to 50,000 rupees per kanal for farmers. Beyond raw vegetable sales, the technology offers post-harvest opportunities such as lotus stem chips, French fries, and flour, encouraging local youth toward agricultural entrepreneurship and crop diversification. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSPunjab Bandh: Morcha Blocks Mohali Airport Road Over Demand To Release Sikh PrisonersThe Quami Insaaf Morcha called for a Punjab bandh to demand the release of Sikh prisoners who remain jailed despite completing their sentences. Protesters blocked the entire Airport Road in Mohali using tippers and trucks. The impact of the bandh was observed across several regions including Amritsar, Firozpur, Moga, Gurdaspur, and Mohali. Educational institutes, including schools and colleges in several parts of Punjab, remained closed voluntarily without any official government order. A morcha has been set up in Mohali for the past three years regarding this issue.Punjab Bandh: Morcha Blocks Roads, Demands Release Of Sikh Prisoners As Normal Life HitActivists of the Kamian Sahib Morcha staged a dharna in Phase 7 of Mohali, blocking roads as part of a Punjab bandh call observed from 7 AM to 2 PM. The protesters are demanding the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their jail sentences but remain incarcerated. The demonstration is part of an ongoing protest that has continued for three years. The bandh resulted in a total shutdown across several districts, including Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Patiala, Jalandhar, and Mohali. Highways and several schools across Punjab remained closed during the bandh hours.BJP Hits Back At Congress Over Parliament Street Police Station Dharna & Vande Mataram RowBJP criticises the Congress agitation and dharna at Parliament Street Police Station, terming it politics of anarchy. The ruling party alleges that the opposition is trying to divert attention from the Vande Mataram controversy despite an FIR being registered and a Supreme Court committee probing the incident. Meanwhile, the opposition demands answers regarding the use of pellet guns during student protests at Jantar Mantar, questioning if the Home Minister was informed. The ongoing protest continues to escalate political tension between both parties.Rahul Gandhi Protests Outside DCP Office, Demands FIR as Delhi Cops Say Matter Is Sub JudiceDelhi Police have accepted a complaint submitted by Sahil Lochab, who was accompanied by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, regarding the alleged use of excessive force, lathis, and pellet guns against agitating students on July 20. Police officials informed the complainant that the matter is currently sub judice and under investigation, noting that the issue is pending before the court where a committee was created to examine allegations of police violence. Despite the police assertion that the matter is sub judice, Rahul Gandhi along with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sahil Lochab, and several Congress leaders held a live dharna outside the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police at Parliament Street Police Station. Congress leaders are insisting on the registration of an FIR in the matter, having previously visited Mandir Marg Police Station before marching to Parliament Street. Slogans were also raised at the protest location against the ruling administration as Congress demands accountability over the July 20 incident.