Come October and Kashmir is buzzing with activities. Be it saffron,  apples, or walnut, people are seen reaping the harvest of their labour. Known across the world for its taste and quality Kashmiri walnut has over the decades helped rural economy to sustain itself. Photojournalist Vikar Syed travels to some of the finest walnut belts in Kashmir to capture the hands behind the process

A villager plucking walnuts from the tree under the early October sun.
A villager plucking walnuts from the tree under the early October sun.
In Nassarpora village of south Kashmir's Shopian district, a small boy is collecting walnuts in a small bucket.
In Nassarpora village of south Kashmir’s Shopian district, a small boy is collecting walnuts in a small bucket.
3 -Young boys
Young boys uses a sacks to carry fresh walnuts from orchards for processing.
The first step is to remove the external covering. It has to be done manually.
5-Women
Women using sticks to remove the outer covering of the walnut.
6-Village women sharing
Women share jokes while working at a walnut procession plant in Shopian.
7-Villag sharing jokes
Nassarpora village in Shopian is one of the leading walnut producers in Kashmir.
8-An old men
This father-daughter duo work at the plant during peak walnut season to support their family.
9- Working along
Most of the processing work is done by women. It helps them add to their families income.
After removing the outer covering walnuts are cleaned in a nearby stream in Shopian.
11- feet to clean
The cold water of the stream cleans any dirt present after the processing.
12- Under Sunlight
After washing the Walnut are left under the sun for drying.
13-Young village girl
A women spreads walnuts for drying before they can be sent to the market.
Finally the produce is transported to different part of the world.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here