# Kashmir’s Traditional Potato Pits Face Extinction Generational farming knowledge vanishes as Gurez valley shifts toward commercial agricultural reliance. - **Source:** [Environment | The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/uk/environment) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d4011ed4-e748-44ec-931f-d5762749f804 ## Traditional Storage Methods Fading Farmers in Gurez, Kashmir, traditionally use khraws, underground pits lined with straw, to preserve potatoes through harsh Himalayan winters. These pits protect crops from temperatures dropping below -20C. However, as road infrastructure improves and younger generations migrate for work, this ancestral practice is rapidly declining across the remote mountain villages. ## Loss of Genetic Diversity The decline of khraw usage threatens local potato varieties that have adapted to high-altitude conditions over generations. Scientists from the ICAR-NBPGR note that while potatoes cover 45% of Gurez’s cultivated land, the genetic diversity of these indigenous crops remains largely undocumented, risking the permanent loss of unique, cold-resistant plant traits. ## Generational Knowledge at Risk Agricultural expertise, such as identifying which potatoes resist rot or sprout effectively, is passed down orally within families. Hajra Begum, a local farmer, continues this tradition, yet she remains uncertain if her daughter will maintain the practice. As families abandon pits for market-bought produce, this specialized, non-codified knowledge faces potential extinction. ## Impact of Climate Change Climate shifts are exacerbating the challenges for Gurez farmers, who report drier springs and significantly reduced snowfall. Abdul Jabbar Mapnoo, a 70-year-old farmer, recalls when six feet of snow was standard, but current conditions have lowered production levels. These environmental pressures reduce the incentive for households to maintain traditional, labor-intensive storage. ## Infrastructure and Land Pressures Beyond climate factors, industrial development poses a direct threat to agricultural land. The Kishanganga hydroelectric project has led to land acquisition and submergence in key potato-growing areas like Badwan. This reduction in available farmland forces a shift away from traditional cultivation, further accelerating the abandonment of the historic khraw storage system. ## Scientific Research and Neglect Dr. Sheikh M. Sultan highlights that research institutions often prioritize introduced commercial varieties over indigenous crops. These local varieties may possess valuable characteristics, including pest resistance and cold tolerance, which remain poorly understood. Neglecting these resources prevents the scientific community from documenting and improving the valley’s unique, naturally adapted agricultural assets. ## Potential Preservation Strategies Geographical indications, similar to the French appellation d’origine contrôlée, could offer a path to preserve these varieties by increasing their market value and recognition. Programs like the globally important agricultural heritage systems have previously supported regions like Pampore. However, such designations require immediate identification and documentation before the crops disappear entirely. ## Urgency of Agricultural Documentation The disappearance of khraws is not merely a loss of storage, but a loss of a living agricultural treasure trove. Without systematic documentation of both the genetic varieties and the farmers' selection methods, Kashmir risks losing irreplaceable biological resources. Immediate intervention is required to understand these crops before they are permanently forgotten. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/nov/04/kashmir-potato-pits-vanishing-indigenous-knowledge-buried-aoe — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._