The Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir is one of the highest producers of sea buckthorn in the country.
This was revealed by the Minister for Ladakh Affairs, Abdul Rahim Rather in a written reply to the question of Nurboo Gialchan in Legislative Council today.
"This product has become an export item for the state as it is valued for beverage and jam, herbal tea, cosmetic products, nutrient composition and anti-oxidant potential for pharmaceutical companies.
"Currently, Leh has produced 68 tonnes of pulp through cooperative societies and more than 20 tonnes of sea buckthorn pulp by the self-help group," Rather said.
The item is in demand in private sector and the government is making attempts to increase its productivity.
"The Forest department has been trying to increase the area and density under the sea buck thorn in Ladakh by undertaking more plantation," the minister said.
An initiative has been taken for conservation, cultivation and management of sea buckthorn in Leh by forest department with the help of National Medicinal Plant Board of India.
Forest department is in the process to take up five years project, aimed at the development of sea buck thorn in Leh and Kargil districts, to be executed with the financial assistance from the Centre under National Mission for Green India.
