Srinagar, Aug. 1 -- Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Friday directed the concerned departments to launch a coordinated drive to revive willow cultivation across Kashmir to ensure a sustainable supply of timber for the Valley's cricket bat industry.

The directions were issued during a high-level review meeting on the challenges facing the willow sector and measures for its long-term revival.

The meeting was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sarvesh Rai, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, Irfan Rasool Wani, and senior officials of the Forest Department and other departments.

Rana said Kashmir is the country's only source of specialised willow wood used...