Srinagar, Sept. 24 -- The walnut season starts every autumn and engages growers across the valley for the organic harvest.

By Abid Bhat

WITH the arrival of autumn in Kashmir, Zameer Qadir gets eager for the 'labour of love'. By that time of year, dozens of his walnut trees in his hometown Harwan Srinagar bear the organic fruit.

The harvest season sends out festive vibes and engages most of his community members.

But this year, the fatal fall from trees has made it a somber season for his grower clan.

Half a dozen death slips within 10 days have made Zameer's farming class a bit worried about the occupational hazards.

In the face of these deaths, many are batting for adopting scientific methods to sustain the industry spread over 89,...