Life-Threatening Harvest: Farmers Risk All for Water Chestnuts

• Water chestnut cultivation is a dangerous, life-threatening process requiring daily immersion in ponds for months.
• Farmers apply burnt lubricant oil to their bodies to prevent severe skin irritation, itching, and rotting from prolonged water exposure.
• This practice is adopted due to the unavailability of affordable medicines for skin issues caused by water.
• Cultivators face risks from venomous aquatic creatures like snakes and crabs in the ponds.
• Despite high risks and potential crop loss (e.g., due to rain), the 3-month crop yields for 2 months, with one vine producing 14-15 water chestnuts.

Why It Matters: Water chestnut farming is a perilous endeavor, with farmers facing severe health risks and dangers from aquatic life for their harvest.