Kashmir's lotus root harvesters work despite risks

DW (English)

Harvesters of lotus roots, used in traditional Kashmiri cuisine, told DW they face numerous dangers to their health while hunting for this sought-after crop in Anchar Lake, Srinagar.

Transcript

00:00 These are Kashmir's lotus root harvesters.

00:02 Lotus stem is used in traditional Kashmiri cuisine,

00:05 meaning it's in high demand.

00:06 But it's difficult work for those harvesting the sought-after ingredient,

00:12 despite it being a skilled job.

00:14 Farmers gather the root from a bowl by wading it into freezing water,

00:18 and then they sell it to middlemen.

00:20 All of this for very little pay.

00:23 We are not able to survive without water.

00:26 We are forced to work in the cold,

00:30 and we are not able to work in the sun.

00:35 We are forced to work in the cold,

00:39 and we are not able to work in the sun.

00:42 We are forced to work in the cold,

00:44 and we are not able to work in the sun.

00:47 The lake water is also polluted by direct waste disposal.

00:52 This can lead to infections in the people harvesting the root.

00:55 The water is polluted by the waste.

00:57 The water is polluted by the waste.

00:58 The water is polluted by the waste.

01:02 The water is polluted by the waste.

01:06 The water is polluted by the waste.

01:08 The water is polluted by the waste.

01:13 In addition to worries about illness and the freezing cold,

01:16 the harvesters also deal with hunger.

01:18 They often go all day without food,

01:20 believing that the food won't digest in the freezing waters.

01:24 Despite these risks,

01:25 the farmers say they have little choice but to continue their jobs

01:29 harvesting this in-demand crop.

01:31 We are forced to work in the cold,

01:35 and we are not able to work in the sun.

01:39 We are forced to work in the cold,

01:41 and we are not able to work in the sun.

01:43 (soft music)

01:46 (gentle music)

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