More than ten thousand families from the Bandipora district of North Kashmir depend on Wular Lake for chestnut extraction and fish. 

The chestnut trade constitutes the major source of income for most families in villages located along the lake including Lankrishipora, Kunzpora, Kulhama, Garoora, Saderkoot, Banyari, Bakhchibal, Laharwalpora, Kanibathi, Kehnusa, Ashtangu, Kema and Zurimanz. 

The edible part of the water chestnut is the swollen underwater stem scientifically known as corm. 

Water chestnut kernals are a rich source of protein, starch, minerals and Vitamin B. 

A good proportion of the produce is dried to make chestnut flour which sells at a relatively higher cost.