Anantnag, Apr 18 (JKNS): In a significant step towards reviving and sustaining Kashmir’s iconic cricket bat industry, a large-scale willow plantation drive was launched at Momen Danji, Arwani in Anantnag, with parallel activities carried out in Pulwama, aimed at addressing the growing shortage of Kashmir willow and securing the future of thousands of livelihoods dependent on the sector.
SPVLG Artisans Foundation on Saturday organized a large-scale Kashmir willow plantation drive at Momen Danji, Arwani in Anantnag, with parallel activities carried out in Reshipora areas of Pulwama.
The initiative was conducted in collaboration with the Forest Department Jammu and Kashmir, Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED) IUST, and witnessed the participation of Range Officer Manzoor Ahmad, forest officials, field staff, and local bat manufacturing unit holders.
Organized on the demand of bat manufacturers, the drive aimed to address the growing shortage of Kashmir willow—an essential raw material used in the production of the Valley’s world-renowned cricket bats. Stakeholders highlighted that the declining availability of mature willow trees has emerged as a serious concern, threatening the sustainability of the bat industry and the livelihoods dependent on it.
To tackle this challenge, the plantation featured a new fast-growing variety of willow saplings, which are expected to reach usable maturity significantly faster than the traditional willow species found in Kashmir that typically take 10–15 years to be suitable for bat-making.
Besides ensuring future availability of raw material for the bat industry, the initiative is also expected to contribute to environmental conservation by increasing green cover and promoting ecological balance in the region.
The programme received appreciation from participants, who termed it a timely intervention for both economic sustainability and environmental protection.
The plantation drive was supported by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), with SPVLG Artisans Foundation acting as the implementing agency. It is noteworthy to mention that SIDBI is currently supporting a year-long project intervention for promotion and development of Cricket Bat industry in Kashmir. (JKNS)
