With willow plantations in Jammu and Kashmir being affected by acute plant infection, the Rs 25 crore (Rs 250 million) cricket bat industry is on the verge of closure.
While willow is grown in the Kashmir region, bat manufacturing units are spread all over the state.
There are over 150 cricket bat manufacturing units with about 20-25 located in the Gangyal industrial area in Jammu.
The willow industry contributes significantly to the state's economy. Though some units also make badminton rackets, carom-boards and several other indoor sports goods, their contribution to the state exchequer are too small.
A large number of these cricket bats are exported to other states.
Willow trees, particularly in Pulwama and the Anantnag districts of Kashmir, the hub of willow plantation, have been found infected with insects like blue beetles, leaf blight and lymantria.
According to scientists, the infection is characterised by small irregular patches, which covers the entire leaf. The infection leads to blackening of leaves and makes the trees hollow.
The willows found in the state are from the same family as that of the famous English willow.
According to bat manufacturers, the wood obtained from an infected willow tree produces inferior quality cricket bats. The cricket bat manufacturers said this year the disease had spread to many more areas.
Scientists blame rising temperatures and lack of rainfall in the Himalayan region to the spread of disease.
"Since the last few years, the temperatures have risen and the atmosphere is dry because of poor rainfall. These conditions have led to increase in infection in willows," said a senior scientist at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.
The state government has approached the Forest Research Institute seeking measures to deal with the situation.
The institute has asked farmers to collect the leaves, beetle eggs and pupae and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease.
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