The story
Willow grows along the streams of south Kashmir, and bat-making started in the Bijbehara area in the 19th century. Units along the highway at Sangam cut willow into clefts, season them and shape bats, mainly for the domestic market, while some clefts go to Jalandhar and Meerut. Recent international use of Kashmir willow bats has raised the cluster's profile. A shrinking willow supply now worries manufacturers.
In numbers
More than 150 bat manufacturing units and retail shops operate along National Highway 44 in south Kashmir's Sangam.
Down To Earth — Dried streams to declining bats: the fate of Kashmir's iconic willows
GI tag
- Kashmir Willow BatApplication no. GI Application No. 903IP India — Registration Details of Geographical Indications
Ways in for a newcomer
- Branded premium bats for online and export buyers
- Willow plantation on private land for future supply
- Seasoning and cleft-grading services
- Bat repair, grips and accessories
Problems the cluster faces
- Shortage of mature willow and clefts
- Climate change drying the streams
- Competition from English willow bats
- Limited branding and marketing
Businesses to start here
Cricket Bats →PVC Cricket Bat and Ball Making →Wood Cutting (Sawing) Unit →