Prospects and Production Technology of Lotus: A Review

According to Rigveda, The lotus is the symbol of divinity or immortality in humanity. Lotus is an aquatic plant and is a perennial herb cultivated as an ornamental Lotus. There are two basic species viz.NelumbonuciferaandNelumbolutea belonging to the family Nelumbonaceae. The attractive yellow and pink flowers are mildly scented and offered to Gods traditionally. It is being propagated through seeds and rhizomes naturally. However, micropropagation through tissue culture has also been standardized using rhizome pieces as explants. It has long been revered for its ability to remain unsullied and pure, despite of its growing environment. Lotus was introduced from China to Japan and other nations and cultivated for more than 1000 years During geological changes, particularly when temperatures were low during the Ice Age, most plants in the northern hemisphere became extinct, but lotus flowers survived. Lotus occurs naturally in almost all parts of our country. In floriculture industry, it is being used as a cut flower, loose flower, and potted plant and in landscaping of ponds and huge lakes. Besides its floricultural uses, lotus is a plant where all parts viz. roots, stems, leaves, flowers and buds are commercially being utilized in food or for traditional medicinal purposes. It can be cultivated commercially by utilizing some pond management practices, fertilizer application etc. Improvised post- harvest practices can be utilized to reduce petal blackening after harvest.
Despite of having high economic importance not much attention has been given to the commercial cultivation of this crop in our country.There is a need to carry out research on the commercial cultivation of this crop under Indian conditions combined with organization of trainings to the farmers and entrepreneurs to take up its cultivation. Floriculture business is based on novelty and hence this forgotten traditional flower has again found its way in modern decorations where lotus has become a specialty today. There is a huge potential to use this flower in modern landscaping also where eco-tourism is coming up very fast and offers a unique business opportunity to the farmers. Simultaneously, there is a unique opportunity for converting the waste and barren lands into a profitable venture.