Lone Imran
The walnut business is considered as the backbone of Kashmir’s economy. Amid consistent decline in the prices of kernels since the past four years, the walnut growers and sellers have seen tough times.
The process of harvesting the walnuts is manual in the Valley. So, once the nuts have matured, the process involves a person climbing up the tree and thrashing the branches, while the walnuts that fall are collected on the ground.
The walnut that we see in the market is dried several months after being harvested. The walnut, widely known as ‘Akhrot’, or its Kashmiri name ‘Doon/Dun’, has been indigenous to Kashmir.
Since the walnut trees are immense in size, the labour that goes into thrashing their branches is extremely strenuous. Hence, the pluckers, who risk their lives while performing the task, charge hefty amount from the growers. Only a few, who are professional and competent, accomplish the job efficiently.
As the walnut harvest season began, dozens of walnut pluckers have lost their lives after falling off the walnut trees all over Kashmir, be it Uri, Banihal, or Ramban. Everyday, Kashmir witnesses a tragic news of losing one more person while performing their job.
It is pertinent to mention that the prices of kernels have been going down consecutively since last four years. Dealers, who are suffering the most, had urged the administration to fix a particular rate for the various categories of the kernels. This happens due to the absence of a walnut mandi in the valley.
The Kashmiriyat spoke to a walnut plucker who has been doing the job since the last 20 years.
Abdul Razak (47), who has been in the job since last 20 years, while talking to The Kashmiriyat said, “I have a family to feed, that’s why I am doing this job. My family has been asking me to quit the profession ever since they have heard the news, that are widely circulating, about the accidents of walnut pluckers.”
“We are getting handsome wages but our lives are at risk. I appeal to the administration to pay attention towards our concern. These unfortunate incidents can be put to an end. The administration must provide us safety belts and the safety of those in our profession will be ensured,” Razak added.