STUDIES ON TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES OF HARVESTING OF LOTUS RHIZOMES IN DHAMTARI DISTRICT OF CHHATTISGARH, INDIA

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera G.) is a perennial aquatic plant grown for use as food, medicine and also for cultural and religious activities. Lotus root is the edible rhizome of the lotus plant. It is interesting to note that all parts of lotus plant are edible and are used in oriental medicine. Lotus is generally grown in the waterlogged field, and pond. In Chhattisgarh lotus rhizome, cylindrical and brown is known as Dhais and at some parts of state it is also known as Kamal gatta or Kamal kakdi. Lotus rhizomes are low in cholesterol and saturated fat. They are rich in vitamin C and good source of dietary fibre, vitamin B6, thiamin, phosphorus, potassium, copper and manganese. Cost estimation of lotus cultivation was done by the field observation and discussion with farmers. The traditional harvesting method consists of farmers feeling for the rhizomes using their toes and then digging them out their hands. The rhizomes are sold in per kg basis, flower and fruit (Pod) on no. basis. The major cost of the production was observed on harvesting of the lotus rhizome, which was one of the most unhygienic and tedious job. Total cost of cultivation in three seasons was observed to be Rs 6.455 lakhs whereas, the gross return was recorded as Rs 9.15 lakhs. Net return was recorded as Rs 2.695 lakhs