Author(s):

Rizwana Malik, Adnan Abubakr and Nasir Hussain

Abstract: A study on Trapa natans locally known as Guar was conducted in district Bandipora of Kashmir valley located on the banks of Wular Lake. The study has discussed in detail the indigenous methods of trapa harvesting and processing in detail along with the various constraints faced by the fishers during the process of harvesting and processing. A list of fishing villages was obtained from the Department of fisheries and three villages were selected randomly for the study. Group discussion, Observation and PRA methods were used to collect the data. A semi structured interview-schedule was prepared wherein mostly open ended questions were asked from the respondents to extract the detailed information as per the objectives of the study. The study revealed that the trapa is found in abundance in Wular Lake of Kashmir. During the study it was found that despite its high production, fishers fail to get the desired economical benefits from the harvest. Harvesting along with processing and even marketing is mainly done by fisherwomen. However, during winters the harvesting process is done by men. Trapa enterprise has a potential to raise the socio-economic status and boost the livelihood opportunities of fishers of the district. However, for achieving this goal there is a need to explore the opportunities for technological interventions and research advances to be made in pre and post-harvest activities of trapa cultivation.

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