Srinagar, Sep 23 : The businessmen and workers associated with walnut woodcarving industry in Jammu and Kashmir are a worried lot, as the scarcity of walnut has hit the industry hard, which is affecting their livelihood.

“Once upon a time our export of furniture was worth Rs. 15 billion and out of that the walnut woodcarving business used to be around Rs. 3.5 billion, but now it has decreased to Rs. 2.5 billion,” said Syed Shakeel Qalander, President of Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK).

Earlier, the walnut raw material was available in sufficient quantity and the artisans in this trade earned good amount of money as items made of Walnut are in demand across the country.

Now, this age-old craft is losing its charm as the raw material meant for walnut furniture is being used in house building.

Traditional items made of walnut, a dark brown wood - copper samovar, teapot and houseboats are famous for their excellent craftsmanship in the region.

The 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 Jammu and Kashmir is one of the few places where walnut trees thrive. (ANI)