Lotus stem (Nadru) cultivation in Kashmir is a primary source of livelihood for many families living around Dal and Wular lakes. Grown in the muddy beds of freshwater lakes, it is harvested manually by divers or from boats, often in cold and challenging conditions. Production depends on water levels, lake health, and weather conditions, making it both labour-intensive and uncertain. Despite these hardships, Nadru remains an essential part of Kashmir’s economy, wetlands, and daily food culture.