Falls from walnut trees: Experts call for safety nets, protective gear

Srinagar, Sep 3: As the walnut harvesting season gets underway across Kashmir, falls from tall walnut trees are once again emerging as a serious occupational safety concern, with experts warning that the traditional methods can result in devastating injuries and even death.
The harvesting period, particularly during August and September, witnesses a rise in incidents involving people falling from walnut trees while attempting to knock down the fruit. Many of those injured are young and economically active members of their families, making such accidents not only a health concern but also a serious social and economic burden for affected households.
Dr Iqbal Saleem, Professor at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, said that the pattern of injuries seen during walnut harvesting was particularly concerning because falls can cause permanent disabilities.
“Once again, walnut harvesting is causing injuries to our people. The distressing factor is spinal cord injuries, which can turn a dynamic person into a bedridden patient,” he said, stressing the need for safety awareness and preventive measures at the grassroots level.
Experts said walnut harvesting is largely carried out using traditional practices, with workers often climbing considerable heights and standing on branches while using long poles to bring down walnuts. The combination of height, unstable branches, inadequate footwear and the absence of protective equipment significantly increases the risk of accidents.
According to experts, falls from walnut trees can result in severe head and brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, chest and abdominal trauma, as well as fractures and other limb injuries. In serious cases, survivors may be left with permanent disabilities, requiring prolonged medical care and rehabilitation.
They said many of these accidents could potentially be prevented by introducing safer and more scientific harvesting practices.
“Farmers need to be educated and encouraged to adopt safer methods. Tree stands or properly designed harvesting platforms at suitable heights, non-slip footwear, protective headgear and appropriate chest and abdominal protection can considerably reduce the risk,” experts said.
They also suggested the use of safety nets beneath harvesting areas wherever feasible. Such nets, they said, could cushion a fall and potentially prevent fatal or life-altering injuries.
Experts emphasised that walnut harvesting should increasingly be treated as an occupational activity requiring basic safety standards rather than being viewed as a routine seasonal task.
They said awareness campaigns involving horticulture officials, health workers, local communities and walnut growers could help educate workers about the dangers associated with climbing trees and encourage the use of protective equipment.
The issue assumes greater significance given the economic importance of walnuts to Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials said that around 2.66 lakh metric tonnes of walnuts are cultivated across 89,000 hectares in the Union Territory.
Walnuts account for nearly 98 per cent of the dry-fruit production in Kashmir, while Kashmiri walnuts are also an important export commodity, generating around Rs 120 crore annually through exports of both whole nuts and kernels, however, production is on decline, though high-density walnut plantation is picking up.
Experts said that while protecting the walnut economy remains important, the safety of the people involved in harvesting must receive equal attention.
They stressed that a combination of training, safer harvesting techniques, protective gear, safety nets and locally suitable harvesting equipment could substantially reduce seasonal casualties and ensure that a livelihood activity does not turn into a life-threatening occupation. (KNO)