Batting for Kashmir willow: Sachin visits cricket gear factory

Subject: Geography

Section: Eco Geography

Context:

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar visited a bat-manufacturing unit in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.

Background of Kashmir willow Bat:

Kashmir has been making bats for over 100 years , but it was hardly marketed to international customers until now. Companies have been using Kashmir willow bats without labels and branded them as their own before selling.
The Kashmir willow bat has more power, is lighter and is cheaper than English Willow.
English willow and Kashmir Willow are the only two types of wood used to make cricket bats. The English willow grown in England is white in color while the Kashmir willow gown in the Kashmir valley is brownish in color, the latter is heavier and cheaper than the former.
The bats admired for their quality; the skilled bat-makers of the valley have refined their craft since the 19th century are spread in the villages of Charsoo, Bijbehara, Sethar Sangam, Halmulah, Sangam, Pujteng, Mirzapor and Sethar in Anantnag district of South Kashmir.
Not only Jammu & Kashmir, but Jalandhar in Punjab and Meerut in Uttar Pradesh too contribute to the willow bat industry.
Today countries including Bangladesh, Gulf nations, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, United States, New Zealand, South Africa, Denmark, United Kingdom and Ireland are importing Kashmir willow bats.

About the willow tree:

Both the English and Kashmir willow are made from the same tree, Salix Alba, found globally.
The physical properties of the trees vary according to location due to difference in physical factors like climate, rainfall, soil nutrients and moisture.
The Kashmir and England grown Salix alba are solid and durable with high rebound quality and low moisture content making them ideal against leather cricket bats.