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Willow industries in Kashmir valley: present dynamics and future prospects

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G. M. Bhat
G. M. Bhat
M A Islam at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir
M A Islam
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HIND AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING INSTITUTE
e ISSN–2321–7987 | Article |Visit us : www.researchjournal.co.in|
Willow industries in Kashmir valley Volume 12 Issue 1 June, 2017 79-83RASHTRIYA KRISHI
Willow (Salixspp.) is one of the most interesting group
of botanical specimens belonging to GenusSalix (derived
from Celtic ‘Sal’ meaning near and ‘lis’ meaning water)
and Order Malpighiales. The Salicate comprises about
350 species of trees and shrubs which are principally found
in the northern hemisphere and extensively distributed in
tropical, alpine, arctic and temperate climates. Willows
form pioneering vegetation communities on disturbed sites
in lowlands. While some of the willow species are
aggressive colonists, the others need to develop
competitive adaptations that allow them to thrive in these
specific habitations. The primary factors which control
the native distribution and abundance of species include
the availability of moisture for seed germination and
seedling establishment, absence of early competitors and
availability of full sunlight. On the basis of these factors,
willows are divided into two major ecological groupsviz.,
alluvial or riparian willows growing along rivers, stream
banks and point bars and wetland willows growing on
saturated soils. In both the situations willows form
relatively stable successional stages (Kowalchik, 2001).
Important characteristics of willows :
–Willows exhibit superior growth and productivity
due to their highest capacity to convert solar radiation
into chemical energy (Wilkinson, 1999).
–Willows have extensive fibrous root system with
the majority of fine-roots found in the upper 40–45 cm of
the soil profile (Rytter and Hansson, 1996).
–The species exhibits high rates of evapo-
transpiration during the growing season (Heijden and
Kuyper, 2003).
–Formation of symbiotic associations with
mycorrhizal fungi which provide an additional supply of
nutrients for plant growth. Salix spp. benefit from
vesicular-arbuscular endo-mycorrhizae that utilize
phosphorus, as well as ecto-mycorrhiza that use organic
nitrogen (Heijden and Kuyper, 2003).
–Willows are tolerant to flooding and flourish in
saturated soils with oxygen shortage in the root zone; some
Willow industries in Kashmir valley: Present dynamics and
future prospects
G.M. Bhat, M.A. Islam, A.R. Malik, T.A. Rather and F.M. Sofi
Faculty of Forestry, Sher-e-Kashsmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of
Kashmir, Benhama, GANDERBAL (J&K) INDIA
(E-mail: ajaztata@gmail.com )
species are tolerant to increased concentration of carbon
dioxide and methane (Maurice et al., 1999).
–All Salix spp. are well adapted to light and
moderate fire regimes, re-sprouting from roots or root
crowns; some willows are considered drought tolerant and
resistant to moderate salinity (Kowalchik, 2001).
–Willows have high annual seed production and an
effective system of seed dispersal which increases the
chances of finding an opening for germination and
establishment.
–Willows are easy to propagate due to preformed
root primordial on the stems and possibility of vegetative
reproduction from horizontally lain rods (Gray and Sotir,
1996) and vigorous re-establishment from coppiced stumps
(Philippot, 1996).
–Willows exhibit efficient ability to accumulate high
levels of toxic metals, especially Cd (Klang-Westin and
Eriksson, 2003).
Willow industries in Kashmir : Willows have been
growing in Kashmir valley since time immemorial. Pale
botanists claim that willows in Kashmir were growing even
in Pleistocene period as is evident from few leaf
impressions found as fossil deposits in Karewa clays and
coal deposits in the dwellings of cave dwellers of
Burzehama and Gufkral near Srinagar. Dara Shikoh- the
famous Mughal Prince in 17th century, has also mentioned
about willow trees, their habitat and use of willow wood
in Kashmir. The large scale and commercial plantation of
this species around the Wular Lake was undertaken by
Forest Department during the year 1917. Thereafter, other
wetlands located at Harran, Hygam, Hokur-sur, Mirgund,
Mamandangi, Gund Jehangir and Shahgund were brought
under the willow plantation and at present some 1,400
km2 of land is under its cultivation. These plantations were
primarily meant to cater the needs of fuel wood
requirements of people of Kashmir. The estimates have
revealed that about 5 million trees of willow are existing
which comprising about 16 per cent of total broad leaf
tree plantation of Kashmir valley (Masoodi et al., 2004).
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Rashtriya Krishi | Vol. 12 (1)| June, 2017
G.M. BHAT, M.A. ISLAM, A.R. MALIK, T.A. RATHER AND F.M. SOFI
These willows have now rolled into many national and
international trades like cricket bat industry, package case
industry, ply board industry, paper and pulp industry,
furniture and wicker works, soil conservation and
phytoremediation etc. The public utility nature of willows
along with its fast growing nature has made this species
an indispensable component of many farming systems in
Kashmir. Survey by Dhar and Kachroo (1983) has
revealed thatSalix is represented in Jammu and Kashmir
by 23 species namely, Salix alba,S. amygdaliana, S.
babylonica,S. caprea,S. coesia,S. daphnoides,S.
denticulate,S. dickymat, S. flabellaris,S. fragilis,S.
fruticulosa,S. furcata,S. iliensis,S. julcea,S. karelinii,
S. lindleyana,S. mutsudana, S. pupurra, S.
pycnostachya,S. seriocarpa,S. triandra, S. viminalis,
S. wallichiana of which 15 reach to alpine and sub alpine
limits.
Cricket bat industry : The history of producing cricket
bats in Kashmir dates back to 19th century when an
industrialist namely Allah Baksh from Pakistan established
his sub-unit at Halmulla, Bijbehara for conversion of willow
logs into clefts for onward finishing at Sailkot. The willow
(Salix alba var. caerulea) used in making these bats was
brought to Kashmir in the 19th century by the British after
being recommended by Sir Walter R. Lawrence and J.C.
Mac Donell, the first chief of Forest Department in
J&K. Initially the material was planted at Kitreteng and
Shalbagh. The adaptation of this species in the agro-
climatological niche of Kashmir resulted in further
extension of its cultivation. The bats made from the wood
are not only popular in India, but also in Pakistan,
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The expansion of this
indigenous wood based industry came into being with the
registration of around 195 functional manufacturing units
established at various places in District Anantnag and
Pulwama with annual turnover of Rs. 10 crore.The cricket
bat industry is a major source of equipment for India’s
voracious sporting goods market and an important source
Cleft making Cleft stacking
Cricket bat making Finished bat
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Rashtriya Krishi | Vol. 12 (1)| June, 2017
WILLOW INDUSTRIES IN KASHMIR VALLEY: PRESENT DYNAMICS & FUTURE PROSPECTS
of income for the economy of the state of
Kashmir. Further, with projected demand of cricket bats
expected to increase to 4 million per annum in the global
market by the year 2020 (Masoodiet al., 2004), the future
of this industry looks very promising as the Kashmir
willow comprises about 60 per cent of the total bats
manufactured in India. Additionally, with a compound
growth rate of about 8.4 per cent, the potential turn over
from the export of this commodity is projected to increase
to 100 corers per annum in the year 2020.
Cricket bat industry of Kashmir is presently under
resource crunch. The report presented by Directorate of
Industries and Commerce reveals that around 8 and 4.3
lakh willow clefts were exported to Jammu, Jalandhar
and Meerut based cricket industries in the year 2003 and
2004. However, local unit holders are of firm belief that
around 2.5 million cricket bat clefts were exported to
Meerut and Jalandhar under the garb of quota system,
tent amounting to tremendous loss of the precious raw
material. The supply of quality timber from white willow
has thus decreased due to a whooping removal of millions
of trees and as such the variety caerulea (female
counterpart of white willow) is near extermination in
Kashmir. To sustain the industry, the clefts are now being
procured from inferior trees. Even if the clefts are sold
@ Rs. 500/ piece, a farmer will get at least Rs. 15000 per
tree with an increased margin for industrialists as well.
Similarly, the cricket bats produced in Kashmir fetch a
maximum of Rs.1000/ bat as against English willow bats
which retails between $220 to 450 each in the global
market. Realizing the fact that the precious raw material
is being exploited unsustainably and sold at cheaper rates
outside the valley, the Govt. of J&K has imposed a ban
on the export of raw clefts in 1998. It was felt that the
need of the hour is to add value to the clefts by producing
quality finished product so as to get maximum returns from
this indigenous industry.This law is regularly being flouted,
and will continue to be defied unless above said measures
Packing case Packing of fruits in cases
Packing of fruits in cases Fruit packed cases
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G.M. BHAT, M.A. ISLAM, A.R. MALIK, T.A. RATHER AND F.M. SOFI
are not arranged to bump up the local bat manufacturing
industry to the international standards.
Packing case industry : Temperate fruits are not grown
for domestic consumption alone but also for export to other
parts of the country. Horticulture has made tremendous
stride during last five decades. While area under this sector
has increased by 17 times, the production has gone up by
about 65 times. Besides, strengthening food and nutritional
security, it has potential to provide livelihood security to
millions of people across the whole state of J&K. This
sector provides direct and indirect employment to over
25.00 lakh people and generates revenue of over 1250
corer rupees annually. Fresh and dry fruits are exported
in packing cases (boxes) made from willow or poplar.
Introduction of cardboard boxes for packing apple, pear,
cherry and other fresh fruits has not been accepted by
fruit growers. On an average 60 per cent of timber required
for this vast industry is fulfilled from willow. S. fragilis
and S. alba are best suited for making packing cases.
The timber of these species being lightest (700 kg/ m3
when fresh) and tough with high wearing qualities is highly
suitable for this trade.
Basketry and furniture industry: The term basket
willow or wicker willow or osier willow locally known as
Veer kani refers to a certain group of medium-sized
willow shrubs that are pruned, coppiced or pollarded in
such a way that they are stimulated to produce long,
straight, flexible rods. The plantations of these wicker
willows viz., S. purpurea,S. viminalis,S. triandra and
S. dephonoids are now found in many places across the
valley. The farmers cultivate these species in and around
paddy lands where frequent irrigation is available. These
willows are harvested annually and have little or no lateral
branching. The whips/ rods collected from these
plantations are used to make high quality multi-shaped
and multi-purpose artifacts of furniture, baskets, Kangries
(portable fire port) and containers for storing vegetables,
food items and clothes, etc. Being labour intensive, basket
Wicker Processed wicker
Wicker weaving Wicker handicfafts
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Rashtriya Krishi | Vol. 12 (1)| June, 2017
industry involves reasonably large number of local people
which is significant for socio-economic upliftment of the
rural masses. Production of elaborated willow products
has been a productive alternative to supplement the family
income of rural and urban people involved in this trade.
The cost of willow plantation including land preparation,
planting and protection etc. is about Rs. 96000 ha-1. The
average yield from these plantations ranges between 7-
12 metric tons (dry) ha-1 year-1.S. purpurea, S. triandra
and S. daphonoids produce about 7 metric tons (dry) ha-
1year-1, whereas S. viminalis crops yield about 12 metric
tons (dry) ha-1 year-1 . The dried and seasoned rods
presently cost Rs. 14,500 to Rs. 16,000 per metric ton.
Besides this, one hectare can produce about 4500 very
high quality bolts of S. viminalis, 4000 bolts of S.
daphonoids and S. purpurea and 3500 bolts of S.
triandra under intensive management. These bolts fetch
very high price ranging from Rs. 35-40/ kg (dry) for brown
and buff willow to Rs. 75/ kg (dry) for white willow. The
weaving of wicker handicrafts generates an income of
Rs. 59534.70 annum-1 with an employment of 366.61
person days annum-1 in the households engaged in this
profession (Islam, 2015).
Conclusion and recommendations : Kashmiri willow
is known around the world and is second only to the
famous English willow. The cricket bats manufactured in
Kashmir are exported and also supplied to the domestic
market of the country. Presently the industry provides
employment to about 50,000 people directly or indirectly.
Launching ‘Kashmiri bat’ as an international brand, the
government needs to adopt a holistic approach. In addition
to a comprehensive package of general investment
incentives, the promoters of this business should be given
special capital investment and subsidy, so that bigger units
with state of the art machinery and scientific seasoning
facilities for willow clefts could easily be set up. Secondly
provisions should be made to give cost reduction incentives
to the manufacturers so that they could have an
advantageous initial leverage to face the competition of
established brands from India and abroad. Thirdly emphasis
should be laid on growing large scale scientifically
managed plantations of Salix alba var. caerulea which is
most suitable for crafting cricket bats of international
standard. The life cycle of a commercially grown cricket
bat willow is ideally fifteen to twenty years. For every
tree that is felled, growers should be encouraged to replant
at least five willow trees. This could help on long-term
basis by ensuring a sustained supply of quality clefts to
the manufacturers. Maintenance is of paramount
importance, trees neglected for one year only during their
lifetime have little or no commercial value. These provisions
also promote, develop and strengthen the packing case
industries in the valley. Baskets made from willow fibre
in Kashmir have both local and national demand due to
high quality of art and architecture. Baskets woven from
handmade willow reeds are able to command a much higher
price than those made from machine-produced splints.
By adding value to willow material, the finely crafted items
would increase the economic value considerably. Items
made with uncommon varieties and high standard quality
and styling could fetch upto twice the price of a similar
standard item. The baskets produced here are sold
between Rs. 100 to 500 per basket or even more during a
tourist season.
References :
Dhar, U. and Kachroo, P. (l983). Alpine flora of Kashmir
Himalaya, Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur, India.
Gray, D.H. and Sotir, R.B. (1996). Biotechnical and soil
bioengineering. Slope Stabilization, Wiley, New York, pp. 271.
Heijden, E.W. and Kuyper, T.W. (2003). Ecological strategies
of ecto-mycorrhizal fungi of Salix repens: Root manipulation
versus root replacement.Oikos, 103 : 668–680.
Islam, M.A. (2015). Weed to livelihood: use of Parrotia
jacquemontiana and Indigofera pulchella in wicker handicraft
of Kashmir, India. Internat. J. Forest Usufructs Mgmt.,16(2):
76-81.
Klang-Westin, E. and Eriksson, J. (2003). Potential ofSalix as
phytoextractor for Cd on moderately contaminated soils. Plant
Soil,249: 127–137.
Kowalchik, B.L. (2001). http//www.reo.gov-/col/wetland
classification.
Masoodi, N.A., Masoodi, T.H. and Gangoo, S.A. (2004). Status
of Willows in Kashmir: Presented in National symposium on
Ecology and Management of Willows held at FOA, Wadura,
Sopore, Kashmir during October 8th to 9th, 2004.
Maurice, C., Ettala, M. and Lagerkvist, A. (1999). Effects of
leachate irrigation on land?ll vegetation and subsequent
methane emissions. Water, Air & Soil Pollution,113: 203–216.
Philippot, S. (1996). Simulation models of short-rotation forestry
production and coppice biology. Biomass & Bioenergy, 17(2/
3): 59-71.
Rytter, R.M. and Hansson, A.C. (1996). Seasonal amount,
growth and depth distribution fine roots in an irrigated and
fertilized Salix viminalis L. plantation. Biomass & Bioenergy,
11(2/3): 129–137.
Wilkinson, A.G. (1999). Poplars and willows for soil erosion
control in New Zealand and translocation of five Salix L. species.
Internat. J. Phytoremediation,9(3): 34-41.
WILLOW INDUSTRIES IN KASHMIR VALLEY: PRESENT DYNAMICS & FUTURE PROSPECTS
Received : 14.03.2017 Revised : 01.05.2017 Accepted : 10.05.2017
... In Kashmir, Salix species are said to have been growing since times immemorial (Puttoo, 2010).Fossil plant studies have shown that species of Salix were growing in Kashmir even in the Pleistocene period (Rajoriya et al., 2016;Bhat et al., 2017).The credit of their large scale plantation, however, goes to the Mr. MacDonnell first Head of the Forest Department and his associates, especially Mr. Red Cliffs, who started planting exotic species of Salix during 1916-29 around the wetlands of Kashmir and Ladakh (Puttoo, 2010). The plantation of willow species, being potential material for short rotation crop for renewable energy, was increased to supply firewood and timber to people to overcome the prolonged cold season and decrease pressure on the natural forests of the region (Rajoriya et al., 2016). ...
... The plantation of willow species, being potential material for short rotation crop for renewable energy, was increased to supply firewood and timber to people to overcome the prolonged cold season and decrease pressure on the natural forests of the region (Rajoriya et al., 2016). The most recent statistics revealed that nearly 50 lac trees of Salix species are existing which comprise about 16% of the total broad-leaf tree plantations of Kashmir (Bhat et al., 2017;Masoodi et al., 2004). The English Willow (S. alba) was introduced from England during the British rule by an industrialist, Allah Bakh from Pakistan who established a subunit at Halmulla, Bijbehera in early 19 th Century (Bhat et al., 2017). ...
... The most recent statistics revealed that nearly 50 lac trees of Salix species are existing which comprise about 16% of the total broad-leaf tree plantations of Kashmir (Bhat et al., 2017;Masoodi et al., 2004). The English Willow (S. alba) was introduced from England during the British rule by an industrialist, Allah Bakh from Pakistan who established a subunit at Halmulla, Bijbehera in early 19 th Century (Bhat et al., 2017). Since then, several other species, such as S. fragilis, S. purpurea and S. babylonica were introduced into Kashmir. ...
Worthful Willows: Economic and Ethnomedicinal Uses of Genus Salix L. in the Kashmir and Ladakh Himalayas
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2020
The genus Salix L. (commonly known as willow) has been one of the valuable groups of plants for humankind due to their multiple uses. In India, the Himalayan regions of Kashmir and Ladakh harbor maximum diversity of Salix. In this context, the present study documents multiple economic and ethno-medicinal uses of Salix in these Himalayan regions. The different species of Salix are used in plantation, landscaping, fuel wood, timber, livestock fodder, wickerwork, bat, fruit box and plywood industry; and also locally used for treatment of different human diseases. A total of 100 informants selected from representative age groups were interviewed in these Himalayan regions to collect the data on ethnomedicinal uses of these species. Hopefully, the results from the present study will guide the bio-prospection and commercial utilization of the worthful willow species in these two Himalayan regions.
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... The wicker handicraft entrepreneurship requires small capital investment and low infrastructure like buildings, machineries, labour inputs, electricity, However, due to lack of unup and competition with cost alternative products the wicker are not fetching adequate remunerations to the entrepreneurs and hence, the entrepreneurs are embracing some other By and large, the wicker handicrafts are weaved to suit the local demands for domestic use only while, there is a market through tourism to foreign exchange [14]. Despite, the multiple obstacles like remoteness and poor connectivity, hilly and inhospitable terrain, sparse population density, poor markets etc. the wicker handicraft entrepreneurship occupy an important position in the state's industrial sector playing a vital role in the economic well-being of the Although, the wicker handicraft entrepreneurship has been recognized as an important option in state's industrial and economic planning but still some instant and sensible policy implications is required to uplift this industry [15,16]. While existing studies by earlier workers [5,[9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] have widened our knowledge on various aspects of wicker handicraft, the empirical researches on the economic dependence on wicker handicraft entrepreneurship, impacts on income inequality mitigation and determinant factors of entrepreneurship are still essential areas of research to be addressed. ...
... Despite, the multiple obstacles like remoteness and poor connectivity, hilly and inhospitable terrain, sparse population density, poor markets etc. the wicker handicraft entrepreneurship occupy an important position in the state's industrial sector playing a vital role in the economic well-being of the Although, the wicker handicraft entrepreneurship has been recognized as an important option in state's industrial and economic planning but still some instant and sensible policy implications is required to uplift this industry [15,16]. While existing studies by earlier workers [5,[9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] have widened our knowledge on various aspects of wicker handicraft, the empirical researches on the economic dependence on wicker handicraft entrepreneurship, impacts on income inequality mitigation and determinant factors of entrepreneurship are still essential areas of research to be addressed. Since, the wicker handicraft entrepreneurship remained an integral component of livelihood strategies among the forest fringe communities of Pulwama, J&K, such aforesaid research is urgent. ...
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... The wicker handicraft entrepreneurship requires small capital investment and low infrastructure like buildings, machineries, labour inputs, electricity, However, due to lack of unup and competition with cost alternative products the wicker are not fetching adequate remunerations to the entrepreneurs and hence, the entrepreneurs are embracing some other By and large, the wicker handicrafts are weaved to suit the local demands for domestic use only while, there is a market through tourism to foreign exchange [14]. Despite, the multiple obstacles like remoteness and poor connectivity, hilly and inhospitable terrain, sparse population density, poor markets etc. the wicker handicraft entrepreneurship occupy an important position in the state's industrial sector playing a vital role in the economic well-being of the Although, the wicker handicraft entrepreneurship has been recognized as an important option in state's industrial and economic planning but still some instant and sensible policy implications is required to uplift this industry [15,16]. While existing studies by earlier workers [5,[9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] have widened our knowledge on various aspects of wicker handicraft, the empirical researches on the economic dependence on wicker handicraft entrepreneurship, impacts on income inequality mitigation and determinant factors of entrepreneurship are still essential areas of research to be addressed. ...
... Despite, the multiple obstacles like remoteness and poor connectivity, hilly and inhospitable terrain, sparse population density, poor markets etc. the wicker handicraft entrepreneurship occupy an important position in the state's industrial sector playing a vital role in the economic well-being of the Although, the wicker handicraft entrepreneurship has been recognized as an important option in state's industrial and economic planning but still some instant and sensible policy implications is required to uplift this industry [15,16]. While existing studies by earlier workers [5,[9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] have widened our knowledge on various aspects of wicker handicraft, the empirical researches on the economic dependence on wicker handicraft entrepreneurship, impacts on income inequality mitigation and determinant factors of entrepreneurship are still essential areas of research to be addressed. Since, the wicker handicraft entrepreneurship remained an integral component of livelihood strategies among the forest fringe communities of Pulwama, J&K, such aforesaid research is urgent. ...
Economic Contribution and Inequality Mitigation of Wicker Handicraft Entrepreneurship in Rural Kashmir, India
Article
Full-text available
  • Jul 2020
Wicker handicraft entrepreneurship is a unique world-famous small-scale forest-based cottage industry of indigenous people of Kashmir Himalaya which plays a prominent role in livelihood security, socioeconomic development, traditional handcraftsmanship and rural industrialization in the region. The study investigated the economic contribution, income inequality mitigation and determinant socioeconomic factors of wicker handicraft entrepreneurship in Pulwama district of J&K UT. Multistage random sampling technique was employed to select the sample of 100 wicker handicraft entrepreneurs. Data were collected through structured interviews and focus group discussions. Both descriptive and analytical statistics were used in data analysis. Results revealed that collection of withies from Parrotia jacquemontiana, Cotoneaster baciliaris, Indigofera pulchella and Salix spp. was 61.71 t/year for manufacture of 43514 wicker handicrafts/year which generated Original Research Article an income of 5953470/year. Wicker handicraft income contributes 66.97%, whereas farm and non-farm income accounts 23.46% and 9.58% of total household income, respectively. coefficient was 21.85 when wicker handicraft income was cons ignored which indicated that the wicker handicraft income have stronger equalizing effect on local income distribution. Regression analysis showed that all explanatory variables jointly accounted 81.50% (R 2 =0.815) variation on education, family composition, housing status, subsequent occupation and gross annual income were key determinants influencing significantly (p<0.05) the wicker handicraft income. To achieve the socioeconomic development and livelihood diversification towards the rural industrialization through wicker handicraft entrepreneurship.
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... This has resulted in removal of a large number of trees and as such the most preferred variety caerulea (Salix alba var. caerulea, the female white willow variety [5]. Moreover, there has been a significant fall in the cultivation of willow trees as most growers prefer poplars, which is a fast growing species. ...
Availability of Raw Material for Wood Based Cricket Bat Industry in Kashmir Valley, India
Article
  • Nov 2023
Kashmir Himalayas is known for its abundant supply of high quality wood suitable for cricket bat industry. The present study aimed to gather comprehensive data on the availability of raw material for the cricket bat industry in Anantnag and Pulwama districts of Kashmir during the specified time period (2017-2018). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the major problems faced by the industry and to assess quality parameters of cleft and the wood used for making these clefts. Shortage of quality raw material, absence of proper marketing channels and irregular electricity supply were the major factors responsible for production shortfall. The units used wood of Salix alba var. caerulea as main raw material while Populus deltoides wood was also used for low quality bats. For the study, latest available official records of Government of Jammu and Kashmir as well as questionnaire based sample survey data were used. The industry produced 15.10 crore clefts that consumed 17,28,532 ft 3 of wood. Sample survey revealed that in 2016, the selected 62 units procured 5,84,557 ft3 of wood with an average of 9,428.33 ft3 per unit.
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... The most commonly used varieties are S. viminalis S. purpurea, S. dephonoids and S. triandra. The wicker handiwork encapsulated with its multifaceted expertise of workmanship has accomplished a particular spot in the weaving art of India [1]. The wicker twigs are peeled and utilized to weave high-quality, multi-purpose and multishaped artefacts of furniture, baskets [10], containers fruits, vegetables, chapatis, clothes and carrying loads devices [14]. ...
A Low-Cost Portable Willow Wicker Peeling Machine: An Innovative Mechanical Intervention in the Wickercraft Industry of Kashmir
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  • Mar 2023
A study was conducted to design, develop and evaluate a low-cost willow wicker peeling machine for farmers and wicker craft industry of Jammu and Kashmir. The relevant physical characteristics of willow wicker were measured in terms of length, diameter and peel thickness to finalize the design values of individual working components of willow wicker machine. The machine comprised of hopper, peeling rollers, electric motor and discharging unit with overall dimension of 736 × 406 × 609 mm. The evaluation was carried out at three moisture content (13, 18 and 23% w.b), roller speeds (350, 700 and 1050 rpm) and wicker varieties (Salix triandra, Salix purpurea and Salix viminalis). The optimization of the data through design expert 10.0.1 revealed that operating the machine at 700 rpm with S. purpurea variety containing 13% (w.b) moisture content resulted in throughput capacity of 15 twigs/min, 83.85% peeling efficiency, 0.74% damage percentage, 0.064 man-min/twig labour requirement and 1.4 kJ/twig specific mechanical energy consumption. The cost economics showed that operating the machine requires 64.3 Rs h−1 with benefit–cost ratio of 2.35:1, breakeven point of 109,800 twigs and payback period of 640.44 hours. The comparative analysis showed the cost difference of Rs. 45 per hour between manual and mechanical peeling of willow wicker twigs. The weight of the machine was recorded as 53 kilograms. The study can be useful for wicker craft (keani keam) industry with huge employment and entrepreneurship generation potential.
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... The global market demand for cricket bats is more than 4 million units [4]. The number of trees that are cut annually for this cause amounts to a figure of at least 1.1 lakh. ...
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Article
  • Sep 2022
The sports industry predominantly makes use of wood for manufacturing equipment such as cricket bats. However, the equipment has to be replaced often as it gets worn out and damaged. This has led to increased wood consumption, which is rapidly becoming scarce, contributing to environmental issues. The objective of this work is to provide a protective composite layer on the face of the bat to enhance its life without affecting its performance. This work also aims to find a solution to reduce the wood consumption in the cricket industry in the form of a protective composite layer. The layers on the bats are prepared using two different resins, namely HSC 7600 and General Purpose resin with 400 GSM glass fibers as the reinforcement. The specimens are prepared using the hand-layup process and then cured in the oven. The composite materials are then subjected to tensile tests and impact tests. Properties such as Young’s modulus and impact stress are obtained. When compared with willow wood, the specimens prepared using HSC 7600 exhibit similar properties and can be used in practical applications. The layer once applied on the bat, is subsequently tested under traditional match-like conditions wherein more than 2000 shots are played with a standard leather ball. Regular willow bats are tested similarly, and cracks begin to appear after approximately 1700 shots. Testing of the bats that are reinforced with the composite layer shows that the layer is intact with negligible damages. It is concluded that this material is more resistant to the impact of the ball and also does not provide the batsman with an unfair advantage. With proper implementation, the application of such a layer is a promising solution to be put to use in the cricket industry that tackles the challenge of excess wood consumption.
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... Wetlands over the Kashmir Valley flourish in various natural goods and products. They provide useful materials such as reeds, grasses, and wood for making furniture and construction purposes (Bhat et al. 2017). The wood makes the framework of chairs and tables, furniture, and for making baskets while the vegetation, especially leaves and stems of Typha sp., and grasses provide materials for mats and thatching. ...
The Status of Current Knowledge, Distribution and Conservation Challenges of Wetland Ecosystems in Kashmir Himalaya, India
Chapter
Full-text available
  • Jul 2021
In Kashmir Valley, wetland ecosystems cover an area of 42663 ha comprising nearly 2.67% of the entire geographical area. These wetland ecosystems form an indispensable portion of natural landscape and play a key part in maintenance of environmental quality. These wetlands are harbingers of pristine biodiversity and provide various ecological and economic services. However, in recent past, various threats in the form of resource exploitation, reclamation of land surfaces, pollution, hydrologic and land system changes are looming the wetlands in this region. Although having wealth of about 755 natural wetlands in Kashmir Valley, only 13 (1.72%) are protected through various legislative and conservation measures while others continue to be overlooked in conservation and management plans. Therefore, there are growing and loud calls that for effective management which requires a scientifically-credible knowledge base pertaining to land use, water quality, hydrology, topography and socio-economic conditions. Strategies for conservation and management include identification and diminution of current anthropogenic pressures, flow regulation, and a wide array of other management and restoration practices. This chapter therefore tries to provide a comprehensive picture of wetlands of Kashmir region with regard to existing knowledge, distribution and conservation challenges to push up for policy intervention for the management of wetlands.
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... Willows (genus Salix) have a very significant utility and play an important environmental role. Their importance in medicine (e.g., Uehleke et al. 2013;Desborough and Keeling 2017), as a source of renewable energy (Lipiński and Żejmo 2012;Bakšienė and Titova 2018), in the basketry and furniture industries (Bhat et al. 2017), phytoremediation (Goliński et al. 2015;Mleczek et al. 2017Mleczek et al. , 2018 and many other fields is well known. Salix species are components of such important Natura 2000 habitats as 2170 (dunes with Salix repens ssp. ...
The interactions between habitat, sex, biomass and leaf traits of different willow (Salix) genotypes
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2021
Knowledge of the impacts of sex on plant mortality and biomass production has scientific and practical importance. In the case of willows, we know relatively little about such effects. The main objective of this study was to evaluate whether the sex of individuals of different willow species determines their biomass and mortality. An additional goal was to determine whether the secondary sex characteristics, such as leaf traits, depend on sex. The experiment was conducted from 2011 to 2014 with 8100 plants comprising 150 willow genotypes, including 8 species, 16 interspecies hybrids, cultivars, and specimens differentiated by sex. Statistical analysis of the leaf traits revealed their relationship to sex. On average, male specimens have longer and wider leaves. They also have longer petioles. Males of the studied Salix genotypes were characterized by higher biomass and showed a greater survival rate than females but only under better site conditions; when the site conditions were poorer, males had higher mortality than females.
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... Understanding the SWOT issues of wicker handicraft entrepreneurship will provide a thoughtful basis to the policymakers for strategy formulation and execution. Although, the wicker handicraft entrepreneurship has been recognized as a key choice in state's industrial and financial planning, but still some immediate and sensible policy implications is indispensable to strengthen this industry (Bhat et al., 2017) Islam et al., 2018) have broadened our knowledge on vari-ous aspects of wicker handicraft, the empirical researches on the entrepreneurs' perceptions on developing the wicker handicraft entrepreneurship using SWOT analysis are still essential research areas to be addressed. Since, the wicker handicraft entrepreneurship remained an integral component of livelihood strategies among the forest fringe communities of Pulwama, Kashmir valley, such aforesaid research is urgent. ...
Diagnostic SWOT appraisal of the wicker handicraft entrepreneurship development in Kashmir, India
Article
Full-text available
  • Jun 2020
Critical analyses of the perceptions on SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) have become a fundamental element of multi-criteria decision making for developing wicker handicraft entrepreneurship. The study examined the effectiveness and prioritization of entrepreneur's perceptions towards SWOT categories and factors and provided insights for developing wicker handicraft entrepreneurship in Pulwama district of Kashmir. Data were collected through structured interviews and focus group discussions of 100 wicker handicraft entrepreneurs of 20 villages selected by multi-stage random sampling. Simple descriptive statistics were used for the data analysis. Results showed that the factors like income generation (19.30%) and employment generation (19.00%) were viewed as most important strengths while labour intensive and less remunerative livelihood (18.80%) and seasonal subsistence (18.70%) were identified as main weaknesses. Further, poverty alleviation (20.70%), preservation of traditional art craft (19.00%) and improvement in public-private relations (17.50%) were adjudged as strong opportunities whereas limited marketing facilities (20.70%), lack of cooperative societies (18.90%) and harassment by officials in withies collection (16.50%) were seen as chief threats. The challenges (weaknesses and threats) (50.40%) for wicker handicraft entrepreneurship outweighed the prospects (strengths and opportunities) (49.60%) while the internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) (54.80%) prevailed over the external factors (opportunities and threats) (54.20%). F statistics (p<0.05) indicated significant differences between the internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats). The results projected the basis to the policymakers to prioritize and address the prominent challenges and reinforce the prospects for conceptualizing , formulating and implementing the strategies for strengthening the wicker handicraft entrepreneurship.
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The potential timber industry of Jammu and Kashmir: special reference to the willow cricket bat segment
Article
  • Mar 2025
The region of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) lies at a unique combination of the geographic coordinates. The region is located at an intersection of a number of international borders making it a sensitive zone politically, and is mostly hilly and land-locked adding an economic limitedness to its already fragile nature and mountainous ecosystem makes the local environment delicate. The cumulative effect of these exogenous factors has been realised in the laggard development of J&K. While in the rest of the country, industrialisation has been at the back of the realised development process, the outcomes of industrial activities in J&K have been limited. As such, there has been a general realisation that in the region of J&K a generalised industrialisation can’t be implemented and practised. Instead, the region needs a charted-out targeted industrialisation that suites its geography, climate and indigenous natural resource availability. In light of these realisations, the present study is an attempt to validate the feasibility of the wood industry in general and the willow wood industry with special reference to willow cricket bats in particular. Through a detailed analysis of the J&K economy, the study concludes by prescribing some timely policy measures targeting the wood industry of J&K.
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Weed to livelihood: use of Parrotia jacquemontiana and Indigofera pulchella in wicker handicraft of Kashmir, India
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2015
Forest based cottage industries have been perceived as a prerequisite for the socioeconomic development and livelihood security of rural people in India. Wicker handicraft, the technique of basket and furniture weaving, is a distinctive cottage industry of Shaakhsaazi communities which plays a prominent role in the socio-economy and cultural heritage of Kashmir. The Parrotia jacquemontiana and Indigofera pulchella are the chief weed shrubs commonly used in weaving the handicrafts. The wicker handicraft generates an income of Rs. 59534.70 annum-1 with an employment of 366.61 person days annum-1 in the households occupied in this profession. Unfortunately, due to influx of synthetic products, lack of organized marketing system and lack of funding, finance and subsidies, the handicraft is facing a lot of problems. To uplift the handicraft as an economically viable option for livelihood promotion of rural people, special attention needs to be given by the policy makers, scientists and extension workers.
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Seasonal amount, growth and depth distribution of fine roots in an irrigated and fertilized Salix viminalis L. plantation
Article
  • Dec 1996
  • BIOMASS BIOENERG
With the objective of examining seasonal fine-root growth in a short-rotation forest plantation of Salix viminalis L., standing crop, growth and decay dynamics and depth distribution of fine roots were investigated with the minirhizotron technique. Fine-root number was counted during two growing seasons, 1988 and 1989. Soil cores were sampled during the same period for estimation of standing crop and depth distribution of fine-root mass and fine-root length. The experimental site is situated at Uppsala, central Sweden, on former agricultural land, where the soil consists of a heavy clay. The plantation was irrigated and fertilized daily, through a computer controlled system, from late May until mid-August. The intention was to create near-optimum conditions for growth with respect to water and nutrients. Fine-root growth started in May and fine-root number increased throughout summer and early autumn. A decrease followed from September and continued during autumn, although root growth was still occurring in October. Growth and decay of fine roots, measured as positive and negative net changes in fine-root number between observations, occurred simultaneously throughout the growing seasons. Most of the fine roots were found in the upper 40–45 cm of the soil profile. A dry period in the summer of 1989 resulted in a lower fine-root number in the upper soil layers and in a deeper mean root depth, as compared to 1988.A comparison of relative depth distribution of fine-root number, obtained from minirhizotrons, and fine-root mass, achieved from soil coring, revealed a close agreement between methods. The relative depth distribution remained fairly constant during the growing seasons. The seasonal variation of fine-root number, observed in minirhizotrons, and fine-root mass and live fine-root length, measured by soil coring, showed no significant differences between the methods or between mass and length.
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Ecological strategies of ectomycorrhizal fungi of Salix repens: Root manipulation versus root replacement
Article
  • Oct 2003
  • OIKOS
The ecological significance of a range of ectomycorrhizal fungal species, associated with Salix repens, was investigated under controlled conditions. Different ectomycorrhizas increased plant benefits in various ways. Effects of 12 ectomycorrhizal fungi on short-term (12 weeks) and long-term (20 and 30 weeks) plant performance were compared. Different fungi increased plant benefits in different ways and none exerted the full range of mycorrhizal benefits. Two strategies of EcM fungi were recognized, root manipulation and root replacement. Species (Hebeloma, Cortinarius spp.) with a root manipulation strategy strongly increased root length and had a more effective nitrogen economy than species with the root replacement strategy (Laccaria, Paxillus spp.). As a consequence of these different strategies two parameters of nutrient acquisition, viz. nutrient inflow per unit root length (efficiency) and total shoot nutrient uptake (effectiveness) were not correlated. Differences in magnitude of mycorrhizal response were not related to the amount of root colonization. Only in the short term was plant nutrient content positively correlated with root length colonized. Over a whole growing season plant nutrient content could not be predicted from root length colonized. Effects of mycorrhizal fungi on root manipulation also occurred with aqueous extracts of the fungus and, hence, were partly independent of the formation of ectomycorrhizas.
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Potential of Salix as phytoextractor for Cd on moderately contaminated soils
Article
  • Feb 2003
Biomass production and Cd uptake in Salix (willow) is generally high. The aim of this study was to quantify the amounts of Cd in different plant and soil compartments in commercial Salix stands grown on different soil types and to use these data for estimation of the long-term effects of Cd removal by Salix at stem harvest on the soil Cd content by calculating Cd balances. Ten commercial short rotation willow coppice stands, planted with clone 78183 of Salix viminalis (L.) were investigated in order to include three different soil types with respect to pH. Stands with high stem biomass production generally had lower Cd concentrations in the plant and grew on more alkaline soils with low Cd availability when compared to stands with low stem biomass production. The highest output of Cd by Salix is therefore not necessarily achieved by stands with the highest yields or the highest Cd concentrations, as both these parameters have to be considered. The net removal of Cd from the plough layer by the Salix crop under different conditions varied between 2.6 and 16.5 g Cd ha–1 year–1. The long-term effects of Salix cultivation on soil Cd content, i.e. after 6–7 cutting cycles (25 years), were calculated and we reached the conclusion that there is a high potential in Salix to remove significant amounts of Cd at stem harvest. Salix can therefore presumably be used to counteract Cd pollution of agricultural soils in Sweden provided that the Cd in furnace ashes is taken care of.
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Effects of Leachate Irrigation on Landfill Vegetation and Subsequent Methane Emissions
Article
  • Jan 1999
Short-rotation tree forests are irrigated with landfill leachate to reduce both leachate volume and nutrient content. It is of interest both for leachate treatment and energy recovery to optimise the productivity of such plantations. This study's aim was to investigate the effects of irrigation on soil quality, tree growth and on emissions of landfill gas (LFG) produced in the wastes. Soils irrigated with leachate had a higher average nutrient and organic matter contents, and a lower dry solids content. Larger trees occur on plots irrigated with leachate, presumably due to the positive effect of water and nutrient supply. The willows used in this experiment seemed to be tolerant of high carbon dioxide concentrations, as no statistically effect arising from LFG emissions could be linked to tree growth. Methane oxidation levels between 50 and 950 mol m-2 yr-1 were observed. The positive correlation between soil methane oxidation capacity and tree presence is an interesting perspective on reduction of methane emissions by landfill's top cover vegetation type. Optimising methane oxidation using vegetation as a cover crop could reduce the amount of methane discharged into the atmosphere.
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Poplars and willows for soil erosion control in New Zealand
Article
  • Apr 1999
  • BIOMASS BIOENERG
Poplars (Populus) and willows (Salix) are exotic to New Zealand and have been introduced and cultivated over the last 160 years, for soil erosion control on pastoral hill country, riverbank protection, shade, windbreaks and woodlot forestry. During the 1960s and 1970s over two million poplars were planted in government-subsidised erosion control schemes. Planting techniques and patterns are discussed. This type of subsidised planting declined in the late 1980s and 1990s with the emphasis shifting to land management systems incorporating Radiata pine (Pinus radiata) afforestation, poplar silvipastoral systems, and various plant combinations including poplars and willows for riparian management. To prevent long-term degradation by soil erosion, there is a need to develop economic silvipastoral systems on at least one million hectares of New Zealand pastoral lands and the New Zealand research effort is refocusing on obtaining the necessary information to ensure this is a viable option for farmers.
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Biotechnical and soil bioengineering. Slope Stabilization
  • Jan 1996
  • 271
  • D H Gray
  • R B Sotir
Gray, D.H. and Sotir, R.B. (1996). Biotechnical and soil bioengineering. Slope Stabilization, Wiley, New York, pp. 271.
Status of Willows in Kashmir: Presented in National symposium on Ecology and Management of Willows held at FOA, Wadura
  • Jan 2004
  • N A Masoodi
  • T H Masoodi
  • S A Gangoo
Masoodi, N.A., Masoodi, T.H. and Gangoo, S.A. (2004). Status of Willows in Kashmir: Presented in National symposium on Ecology and Management of Willows held at FOA, Wadura, Sopore, Kashmir during October 8 th to 9 th, 2004.