The chestnuts, which are extracted from mid-July till November, grow in abundance in the marshy or muddy areas along the banks of the Wular-one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia.
The chestnut trade is a major source of income for many families in villages located along the lake including Lankrishipora, Kunzpora, Kulhama, Garoora, Saderkoot, Banyari, Bakhchibal, Laharwalpora, Kanibathi, Kehnusa, Ashtangu, Kema and Zurimanz.
The edible part of the water chestnut is the swollen underwater stem scientifically known as corm.
Women in shikharas harvesting water chestnuts.
Water chestnut kernels are a rich source of protein, starch, minerals and Vitamin B.
Men transporting harvested chestnuts from Shikaras to sell them to local traders in north Kashmir’s Bandipora.
Shikhara in the dense green expanse of water chestnuts.
Shikharas and Water chestnuts in the Wular Lake.
Harvested water chestnuts.
A kilogram of chestnuts costs up to Rs 50 during the peak season. A good proportion of the produce is dried to make chestnut flour which sells at a relatively higher price.
Customers buy chestnuts from a vendor at Lal Chowk, Srinagar.
Leave a Reply