Abdul Ahad Wani, 74, is doing unconventional farming by growing Nadru (lotus stems) in his paddy fields.
Popularly known as ‘Plantation Chacha’, Wani after making less profit in maize production switched to Nadru cultivation.
Traditionally Nadru- lotus stems- is found in Dal Lake and Wular in Kashmir, however, Wani who lives in the suburbs of Srinagar in Khanmou village has accomplished an astounding accomplishment.
Speaking to The Kashmir Walla, Wani said that his field was waterlogged, and paddy and maize production was not yielding much profit.
“I planted them (Nadru) in the month of June, while the cultivation season has started now,” Wani said, adding that the four quintals of lotus stems were cultivated on one kanal of his land and six more quintals will be procured in the upcoming days.
Wani said that water is vital for the development of Nadru.
“There is no water source around here, so I had to dig a tube well. There ought to be no less than six inches of water on the land and it needs to be drained out the moment Nadru starts reaping,” he said.
Wani sells his produce at 150 rupees per kg in the neighborhood market and in future, he is also considering producing water nuts in his fields.
