Through out the world, in Europe, especially the Greek culture (& mythologies), China and the Asia, in all the paddy growing regions, a traditional handmade rice winnower (made of bamboo, reed, palm leaf, plant fibres – depending on the region and material availability) has been used. Winnowing is a process by which chaff is separated from grain. It can also be used to remove pests from stored grain. Winnowing usually follows threshing in grain preparation. In its simplest form, it involves throwing the mixture into the air so that the wind blows away the lighter chaff, while the heavier grains fall back down, to be collected. Techniques included using a winnowing fan (a shaped basket shaken to raise the chaff) or using a tool (a winnowing fork or shovel) on a pile of harvested grain.

In Kashmir too, the traditional winnowing ‘fan’ shaped basket has been used, locally called the shupp. However, its use is on the decline now, with new innovations and technological advancements having provided other ways to winnow the rice. Awantipora area in the district Pulwama, once famous for shupp making has just about 20 to 25 makers now.

Mohammad Ramzan Sheikh, who has been associated with this craft for almost three decades is barely able to make ends meet, despite going from village to village to sell a few pieces. Abdul Rehman Sheikh, shupp maker from Awantipora has spent days but could not find any buyers. Craftsmen have taken loans from the banks but due to decline in sales, they are unable to pay them off.