India’s pencil village is running out of wood

The Pulwama district of Kashmir, known as India's pencil village, faces a critical shortage of poplar wood, which is essential for manufacturing pencil slats. This shortage is impacting local businesses, squeezing profit margins, and deterring potential investments in the region. The area has historically been a significant contributor to the pencil industry, supplying a substantial portion of the country's needs. Experts warn that if the situation persists, it could jeopardize the livelihoods of many workers and disrupt the supply chain further. As the demand for wooden pencils remains steady, the scarcity of raw materials poses a serious challenge to the sustainability of this industry in India. Stakeholders are calling for urgent measures to address the supply chain issues and ensure a stable supply of poplar wood to revive the sector and protect local jobs.