Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Oct 30: Amidst the pristine beauty and tranquil waters, one man has risen to prominence as the undisputed king of Lotus Stem, or “Nadru” king of Kashmir.
Maqbool Hussain, hailing from Sonwar, area of Srinagar, a name synonymous with quality and tradition, has been supplying this delicacy not only to the homes of Kashmir but also to the bustling cities of India, and other parts of world as well.
Nadru, also known as “Kamal Kakdi” in various parts of India, has long been a cherished ingredient in Kashmiri cuisine, as Hussain’s journey into the Lotus Stem business is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the region. He hails from a family that has been cultivating and perfecting the art of Nadru harvesting for generations.
While speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Hussain said, “I have been exporting Lotus Stem since 2019, and I am exporting on a national as well as an international level. I have successfully exported these stems to Dubai, Germany, Russia, France, and other major countries including famous markets of India.
“I have also been featured and praised by the Prime Minister of India on his ‘Mann Ki Baat Programme,’ for my achievement of promoting these lotus stems globally. The major cities of India where I export these Lotus stems include Maharashtra, Gurgaon, Faridabad, including major other cities where I have adopted and promoted this Lotus Stems on an international level,” Hussain told KNO. “The idea of international export of this Kashmiri cuisine stuck in my mind when I saw people outside India and Kashmir not receiving these stems. So, I decided to export on a national as well as an international level.”
“What sets me apart is my unwavering quality and authenticity is; I source the Lotus Stem from the pristine waters of Kashmir, where it thrives in the region’s unique climate and conditions, as my Lotus Stems are known for their exceptional taste, crispiness, and freshness, making them highly sought after not only in Kashmir but also in major cities across India,” he added. “I have established a vast network of suppliers, ensuring that the Nadru reaches every corner of India, and whether you’re in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, or any other major city, you can savor the authentic taste of Kashmiri Lotus Stem. My customers can reach me directly with my number and book their order, and I am always ready to supply these stems.”
It is important to mention that, “In an era when culinary traditions are increasingly blending with modern influences, Maqbool’s commitment to preserving the authenticity of Nadru stands out, as the Lotus Stem, known for its versatility in various dishes, is no longer confined to Kashmir’s borders; it has become a beloved ingredient in households across India.”—(KNO)
