Srinagar, Sep 2: At least six people died in separate accidents across Kashmir, including four seasonal labourers who lost their lives after falling from walnut trees during the ongoing harvest season, officials and reports said.
The walnut-tree incidents were reported from Qazigund, Tral, Uri and Pulwama, with the deaths once again drawing attention to the risks faced by workers who climb tall and often slippery trees without specialised safety equipment.
In Qazigund, Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, son of Mohammad Ramzan Bhat of Damjan, died after falling from a walnut tree while harvesting walnuts. Bhat was the sole breadwinner of his family and is survived by two young children.
In Tral, Ghulam Mohammad Ganai, son of Mohammad Khaleel Ganai of Laribal, died after accidentally falling from a walnut tree while threshing walnuts. He was shifted to SMHS Hospital in Srinagar, where he succumbed to his injuries.
A 35-year-old man, Ashiq Hussain, son of Ghulam Hassan Awan of Pawadan village in Uri, Baramulla, also died after falling from a walnut tree while thrashing walnuts. He was taken to Sub-District Hospital Uri, where doctors declared him brought dead.
In another incident in Puchal village of Pulwama, Hilal Ahmad Mir, a father of two, died after sustaining serious injuries in a fall from a walnut tree while working on it.
The four deaths come as walnut harvesting begins across Kashmir, where workers commonly climb tall trees and use long bamboo or wooden sticks to bring down the crop. The absence of helmets, harnesses and fall-arrest systems, coupled with rain and slippery conditions, can make the work particularly hazardous.
A 2025 study on labour risks in Kashmir’s walnut harvesting industry found that falls from heights were the major occupational hazard among workers. The study, which examined 150 walnut labourers in Kupwara and Ganderbal and hospital records of 95 workers treated at SKIMS Soura, documented serious spinal injuries, head trauma and internal-organ damage.
The study recommended safety kits, worker training, mechanical harvesting equipment, health insurance and compensation for workers injured or killed during harvesting.
Farmers have also called for the promotion of shorter hybrid walnut varieties to reduce the need for workers to climb tall trees.
“What also needs careful follow-up is an assessment of the potential of hybrid walnut trees (Juglans). These trees are smaller in size and height, and if their produce rivals that of traditional walnut trees, they could provide a better alternative,” farmers said.
Nazir Ahmad Khatana, a walnut farmer from Nagrass Qazigund, said farmers should be provided hybrid walnut plants free of cost.
“Old trees need to be replaced as many of them have low yields, while decomposed branches also pose a serious risk to workers,” he said.
The walnut sector is also facing market-related challenges, with growers raising concerns over imported walnuts and the five per cent GST on the crop.
“The five per cent GST imposed on walnuts has added to the financial burden on growers and made locally produced walnuts less competitive in the market,” said Haji Bhadur Khan, president of the Fruit Association, who urged the government to reduce GST on walnuts to zero per cent.
Meanwhile, two other deaths were reported in Srinagar in separate incidents.
Ghulam Mohammad Ganie, 55, a resident of Wagoora Nowgam, died after falling from a height while working in the area on Wednesday. He was shifted to SMHS Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
In Gandbal, Zubada Banoo, 45, died after suffering an electric shock at her residence on Wednesday evening. She was shifted to SMHS Hospital in an unconscious condition, but doctors declared her brought dead.
Police have taken cognisance of the incidents and investigations are underway.
