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Context: The Kashmir bat industry, centred around bats made from Kashmir willow, has gained significant attention in recent years, both nationally and internationally.

About Kashmir Bat Industry

• The Kashmiri bat industry has traditionally been overshadowed by the dominance of English willow bats in professional cricket. In recent years, bats made from Kashmiri willow have gained prominence due to their appearances in international cricket matches.
• The industry is valued at approximately ₹700 crore and provides livelihoods to over 10,000 people in the region. In the 2021-2022 period alone, around 35,000 bats were exported from Kashmir, indicating a growing global demand.
• Brands like 'GR8' have been used by at least 37 international cricketers, enhancing the reputation of Kashmiri bats globally.

Willow Tree ●The term "willow" refers to a genus of plants known as Salix, belonging to the family Salicaceae. ●Willows are predominantly found in the northern temperate regions and are valued for various purposes including ornamentation, erosion control, shade provision, and timber production. ● Willows encompass a wide variety of species, ranging from large trees to shrubs. Some of the notable species include: Black Willow (Salix nigra): Native to North America, it can grow over 20 meters tall. Crack Willow or Brittle Willow (Salix fragilis): Found in Eurasia but naturalized widely, also reaching significant heights. White Willow (Salix alba): Another Eurasian species, widely known and used.  Chilean Willow (Salix chilensis): Found in South America, particularly in Chile, reaching up to 18 meters tall. Venus's-Flytrap Willow (Salix dionaea): Known for its carnivorous nature, attracting insects. Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica): Famous for its drooping branches, often seen near water bodies. Pussy Willow (Salix discolour): Known for its soft, furry catkins that are a sign of spring. ●Uses: Timber: Willows are harvested for their wood, which is used in various applications including making cricket bats, furniture, and tools. Salicin: A chemical found in willow bark, used in traditional medicine and as a precursor for salicylic acid, a common pain reliever. Ornamental and Erosion Control: Willows are planted for their aesthetic value in gardens and parks. They are also used to stabilize soil in erosion-prone areas. Cultural Significance: Some species, like the weeping willow, hold cultural symbolism in various societies. ●Willows are adaptable to various climates, often found near water bodies or in wetland areas. ●Most willows have narrow, elongated leaves and produce catkins (flowering spikes), with male and female flowers on separate trees (dioecious). The seeds of willows are equipped with long, silky hairs that aid in dispersal by wind.

Challenges Faced by the Industry

Smuggling of Willow Clefts

• Despite legislation like the Jammu and Kashmir Willow (Prohibition on Export and Movement) Act 2000, smuggling of willow clefts from the Valley to cities like Amritsar and Meerut remains rampant.
• This unchecked smuggling undermines local manufacturers by depleting local resources and lowering prices due to cheaper, smuggled raw materials.

Depletion of Willow Trees

• There is a growing concern about the declining number of willow trees in the region.
• Lack of major plantation drives over the past few decades and shifting farmer preferences towards faster-growing poplar trees have exacerbated the situation.

Infrastructure and Technological Constraints

• The absence of a functioning seasoning plant in the region is a critical bottleneck. Currently, bat makers rely on time-consuming sun-drying processes to reduce moisture content in willow clefts, which can take six to seven months.
• The need for modern, efficient machinery and infrastructure upgrades, like a new seasoning plant, is essential to enhance production efficiency and quality.

Government Intervention ●Manufacturers have urged the government to enforce stricter measures against willow cleft smuggling and to initiate a comprehensive willow plantation program. ●The revival or establishment of modern seasoning plants is also advocated to streamline the drying process and improve product quality.

Way Forward

• Legislative Support: Strengthen enforcement of existing laws to curb smuggling of willow clefts and protect local manufacturers. Implement stricter penalties for violators to deter illegal activities.
• Environmental Conservation and Plantation Drives: Initiate large-scale willow plantation drives, encourage farmers through incentives and subsidies to cultivate willow trees, emphasizing their ecological and economic benefits.
• Infrastructure Development: Urgently repair and upgrade the existing seasoning plant or establish new, state-of-the-art facilities to speed up the drying process and improve product quality. Government support and investment in modern technologies will enhance the competitiveness of Kashmir willow bats in the global market.

Conclusion

• The Kashmir willow bat industry faces significant challenges despite its recent global recognition and economic contributions. Addressing issues related to smuggling, resource depletion, and infrastructure deficiencies is crucial for sustaining and growing this vital sector. By implementing effective policies, promoting sustainable practices, and investing in modern infrastructure, the industry can grow while preserving its rich heritage and contributing positively to the local economy.

Source:

The Hindu

Wikipedia

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Large-scale global demand for wood products creates pressure on forests. How can sustainable forest management practices be implemented at a global scale, ensuring both responsible resource allocation and meeting local needs for firewood, construction materials, and non-timber forest products?