Kashmir’s Willow Trees in Danger: Cricket Bat Industry at Risk
By Rajnish Singh
Pampaore (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], September 23: Kashmir’s famous willow trees, crucial for making top-quality cricket bats, are facing extinction. This threatens around 1.5 lakh jobs and the cricket bat industry itself. For years, Kashmir has been known for its excellent willow bats, supporting many families and preserving cultural heritage. However, environmental changes, overharvesting, and unsustainable practices have drastically reduced willow tree numbers.
People in the bat industry warn that if this continues, the supply of willow will decrease, affecting the local economy worth nearly 700 crore and the employment of 150,000 people, including many from Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. This will also impact the global cricket community. They urge immediate action to conserve these trees and promote sustainable harvesting.
Fawzul Kabir, spokesperson for the Cricket Bat Manufacturers’ Association of Kashmir and owner of GR8 India Pvt Ltd, said, “The bat industry has grown more than 25 times, but we can only meet 10-15% of the demand. The raw material is on the verge of extinction.” Kabir’s brand was the first in Kashmir to get ICC approval, and he is working to promote Kashmir willow globally.
Kabir mentioned that they have discussed this issue with the Union Territory government. “We have met our honourable LG several times. There are 400 bat factories providing livelihoods to around 1.5 lakh people. This industry is ranked third in Kashmir after tourism and agriculture. If it ends, it will greatly impact the economy,” he said.
The J&K government has a programme called ‘Ek ped maa ke naam’ (One tree in the name of mother), planning to plant around 2.5 crore saplings this year. Kabir suggested planting willow trees to support both the environment and the bat industry.
Explaining the bat-making process, Kabir said, “We start with the cricket willow tree, cutting it into slices and making clefts. We shape the bat, which varies based on playing conditions and players’ needs. The final steps include sanding, buffing, and labeling.”
Regarding demand, Kabir noted, “Ten years ago, there were only eight cricket-playing nations. Now, there are around 162, increasing demand 20-25 times. ICC approval has boosted the Kashmir willow industry, making it popular in professional cricket.”
Cricket was introduced to India over a century ago, leading to the growth of the cricket bat industry. Recently, interest in Kashmiri willow has surged, especially after former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar visited a bat factory in Anantnag district in February, highlighting the high quality of Kashmiri willow bats.
Doubts Revealed
Kashmir -: Kashmir is a region in the northern part of India, known for its beautiful landscapes and unique culture.
Willow Trees -: Willow trees are a type of tree that has long, thin branches and leaves. The wood from these trees is used to make cricket bats.
Cricket Bat Industry -: This industry makes cricket bats, which are used to play the sport of cricket. Cricket is a very popular game in India.
Extinction -: Extinction means that a type of plant or animal is disappearing and might no longer exist.
1.5 lakh jobs -: 1.5 lakh means 150,000. So, 150,000 people have jobs related to making cricket bats from willow trees.
Environmental changes -: These are changes in the natural world, like weather patterns or pollution, that can affect plants and animals.
Overharvesting -: This means cutting down too many trees too quickly, which doesn’t give new trees enough time to grow.
Fawzul Kabir -: Fawzul Kabir is a person who speaks for the Cricket Bat Manufacturers’ Association, a group that represents people who make cricket bats.
Cricket Bat Manufacturers’ Association -: This is a group of people who make cricket bats and work together to solve problems in their industry.
J&K government -: J&K stands for Jammu and Kashmir, which is a state in India. The government there is making plans to help the environment.
2.5 crore saplings -: 2.5 crore means 25 million. Saplings are young trees, so the government plans to plant 25 million young trees.
Cricket-playing nations -: These are countries where people play cricket, like India, Australia, and England.