Kashmir's Potato Pits Face Disappearance

Hajra Begum, a 40-year-old farmer in Chorwan, sorts potatoes for winter storage, a practice passed down through generations. She prepares the tubers for planting in spring, ensuring only the best are saved.

Khraws, traditional underground storage pits, have been used for centuries to preserve potatoes, turnips, and cabbages through harsh Himalayan winters. However, their use is dwindling as fewer families maintain the practice.

Officials note that migration, improved roads, and changing lifestyles have led to the decline of khraws. Many families now rely on market or government-subsidized potatoes instead of traditional storage methods.

Dr. Sheikh M Sultan, a senior scientist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, reports that local potato varieties are disappearing. He found it difficult to locate some varieties he once encountered, highlighting a significant loss of genetic diversity.

Climate change is exacerbating the challenges, with farmers reporting drier springs, reduced snowfall, and water shortages. These changes have affected potato production and made traditional farming less viable.

The Kishanganga hydroelectric project has also impacted farmland in Gurez, threatening the cultivation of potato varieties in areas like Badwan. Efforts to preserve these crops through geographical indications and agricultural heritage programs are being explored, but documentation remains critical to prevent their loss.