Artigianati.com

A scarcity of raw material is affecting the walnut woodcarving industry in India’s Kashmir. The artisans, who have helped make Kashmir famous through their craft, are concerned the shortage will affect their livelihood.

Syed Shakeel Qalander, the President of the Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir, said that the value of their business had fallen from 3.5 billion to 2.5 billion rupees.

[Syed Shakeel Qalander, President, Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir]:
"Once upon a time our export of furniture was worth 15 billion rupees and, out of this, the walnut woodcarving business used to be around 3.5 billion rupees, but now it has decreased to 2.5 billion rupees."

Walnut wood has a unique color, grain and sheen and the carving and fretwork done on it is of the finest quality. Walnut is the most common wood used for carving and Kashmir is one of the few places where walnut trees thrive.

Walnut wood used to be available in sufficient quantity and the wood carvers earned good money due to the high demand for walnut wood items across the country. Now this age-old craft is losing its charm as the raw material meant for walnut furniture is being used to build houses.

Source -  http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_asia/2009-09-23/296611569878.html