Lotus: A Spiritual Tribute to Maa Chandraghanta on Navratri Day 3

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), revered for its beauty and symbolic significance in various cultures, is an aquatic plant native to Asia. Known for its large, vibrant flowers and broad leaves, it thrives in shallow ponds, lakes, and marshy areas. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the lotus plays a significant role in agriculture, with multiple uses in food, medicine, and ornamental industries. Its seeds, roots, and flowers are highly valued, offering economic benefits to farmers. The plant also contributes to environmental sustainability by purifying water and supporting biodiversity.

Lotus is widely distributed in subtropical and tropical regions of south and southeast Asia. In India, it occurs throughout the country exhibiting enormous morphological and genetic diversity with a large number of racial variants. Generally the number of petals varies from 16-36 in most of the races of Lotus .

For Navratri season

Kamal Krishna is an extremely beautiful cultivar for cut flowers having 4-5 days of vase life. 

Importance of Lotus

The lotus holds great importance in various sectors:

• Cultural Significance: Revered in religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, the lotus symbolizes purity, rebirth, and enlightenment. 

• Economic Value: Lotus cultivation is profitable, with multiple uses. The flowers are sold for ornamental purposes, while the seeds (lotus nuts) and roots (rhizomes) are consumed as nutritious food, especially in Asian cuisine.

• Medicinal Use: Various parts of the lotus are used in traditional medicine to treat ailments like inflammation, heart issues, and stress.

• Environmental Benefits: Lotus plants help maintain ecological balance by improving water quality, absorbing nutrients, and supporting aquatic biodiversity.

• Sustainable Farming: Lotus can be grown in wetlands or low-lying areas, making it a sustainable crop that doesn’t require arable land.

Cultivation Process of Lotus

• Lotus cultivation, as described by NBRI, involves growing the plant in damp, loamy, or clay soils with ample sunlight (6+ hours daily). 

• Propagation is commonly done through rhizomes or seeds. Rhizomes are divided and planted, requiring about 35,000–40,000 rhizomes per hectare.

• The plant thrives in shallow water, making it ideal for ponds or wetlands. 

• Minimal fertilization is needed in the first year, and protection from freezing is essential to ensure healthy growth.

Market Demand and value of Lotus

Lotus flowers are in great demand in the floriculture market.

• The leaves can be used for making plates, boxes and packing materials.

• Whole flowers, petals and seed pods can be used as dried floral crafts.

• The price of lotus flowers can vary depending on factors like location, season, and demand. Typically, lotus flowers can be sold at rates ranging from Rs.10 to Rs. 30 per flower in local markets in India. 

• For wholesale or bulk purchases, prices may be lower. 

• The price for lotus seeds or roots, used in culinary or medicinal applications, tends to be higher. It's important to check with local suppliers or agricultural markets for current rates in your area.

(Source -Lotus | NBRI)