Root cellaring, Valley style

By burying potatoes in insulated soil pots layered with straw, the vegetables remain fresh and nutritious throughout the season, providing essential sustenance. These homegrown vegetables, high in nutrients and energy, are a crucial diet during the harsh winters, according to local residents. They serve not only as a staple food but also help prevent cold-related issues by maintaining body warmth during extreme weather.

Located about 150 km from Srinagar, the summer capital of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and near the Line of Control, Gurez Valley is known for its natural beauty, attracting thousands of tourists in the summer.

Consumed with the region’s traditional namkeen tea, the potatoes provide a warming, energy-boosting meal. "In winter, we totally depend on our cultivated vegetables because all roads remain closed for about six months," said Anwar Ahmad, 56, a local resident of Niru.

"These days, every man and woman in the region is busy collecting essential items for winter survival, be it firewood or vegetables. Life here in winter is totally different. We sometimes don't visit our neighbors for days due to the heavy snowfall," said Khatija Begum.

"We learned this practice from our ancestors. They used to do it, and we continue the tradition. We don't have any modern technology here, so we rely on storing vegetables underground, which keeps them fresh for around five months while everything outside remains frozen," said Khatija Begum.

Mohd Akbar, a farmer from Chakwali village in Gurez, said most residents from his village migrate to the cities during the harsh winter, which cuts off the region from the rest of the world. "We mostly rely on agriculture here. Our potatoes and beans are famous all over Kashmir. Everything we consume in winter is homegrown and high in nutrients, which helps us stay fit."

An official from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gurez highlighted the climate-resilient benefits of burying potatoes and other vegetables underground, explaining that this method allows farmers to store up to 1,000 kilograms of vegetables, keeping them fresh throughout the harsh winters. "This method not only preserves the produce but also enables farmers to store seeds for the next crop cycle, as the underground temperature remains warmer than the freezing conditions outside."

Potatoes are vital for the nutrition of Gurez Valley residents, especially during the six-month-long winter when temperatures drop to as low as minus 20°C. The valley produces more than 10,000 tonnes of high-quality potatoes annually, enriched by natural manure and forest litter.

Local residents like Begum view this practice as essential for survival, both practically and culturally. Burying potatoes underground is not just a means of preservation but also a way to honor ancestral traditions. For Gurez residents, these methods provide hope and strength, allowing them to endure the bitter winters while keeping alive the memory of their forebears.

The famous Habba Khatoon peak, named after the Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon, a tourist attraction in Gurez.

A group of women working in the agricultural fields in Gurez.

Zoiba Begum walking home after collecting forest litter from nearby forests. (Photos by Tauseef Ahmad and Majid Raina)