Shalabugh village in central Kashmir has pioneered the craft of weaving the famous willow baskets.As even kilometer travel from the main Ganderbal town in central Kashmir takes one to the Shalabugh model village. This village is home to the willow artisans of Kashmir valley. Around 90 percent of the population of Shalabugh has been associated with the willow craft for nearly 50 years now.Shalabugh village, which earned the status of ‘Model Village’ in 2002, is the largest producer of willow baskets in Kashmir. Nearly 5,000 people belonging to about 600 families of the village depend of willow works for earning a living. The willow products have an attractive face value and intricate designs which make them a hit not only in local markets but they are also exported to India and foreign countries. In Kashmir, the willow crafts are used in weddings and other occasions of festivity.