Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) in trans-Himalayan Ladakh, India

Tsering Stobdan; Phuntsog Dolkar; O.P. Chaurasia; Bhuvnesh Kumar

doi:10.14429/dlsj.2.11074

Tsering Stobdan Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Leh-Ladakh -194101 http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7859-3868
Phuntsog Dolkar Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Leh-Ladakh -194101
O.P. Chaurasia Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Leh-Ladakh -194101
Bhuvnesh Kumar Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Leh-Ladakh -194101

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dlsj.2.11074

Keywords: Hippophae, Ladakh, Sea buckthorn, Sustainable development, Trans-Himalaya

Abstract

Seabuckthorn (SBT) is an ecologically and economically important plant species of trans-Himalayan Ladakh. Once considered a thorny menace, SBT is now looked upon as a means for sustainable development of the trans-Himalayan region. Several antioxidant rich SBT-based products are being developed and commercialized. SBT berry collection from natural habitat has become an important activity in the region since the year 2001. Currently, the demand for SBT exceeds the supply capacity of the region. Cultivation of SBT on 2500 ha would result in annual net income of Rs 491 crore. Anticipating the high demand for SBT, studies are underway to meet the long term goal to introduce plantation of SBT on vast barren land. Potential of the lesser-known shrub has been recognized by several R&D organizations. In recent years a number of research institutes in India are working on the lesser known shrub. This article summarizes the advancement of research on SBT of trans-Himalayan Ladakh origin.

Author Biographies

Tsering Stobdan, Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Leh-Ladakh -194101

Dr Tsering Stobdan is Scientist ‘E’ and Head, Plant Science Division at DIHAR, Leh. He received his PhD in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. He has 5 patents including one in USA, over 40 publications in reputed national and international journals, two monograph and 20 book chapters to his credit. Two technologies developed by him have been successfully transferred to Industries.

Phuntsog Dolkar, Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Leh-Ladakh -194101

Ms Phuntsog Dolkar is Senior Research Fellow at DIHAR, Leh. She is working on gender differences in Seabuckthorn in trans-Himalayan Ladakh.

O.P. Chaurasia, Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Leh-Ladakh -194101

Dr O.P. Chaurasia is Director, Defence Institute of High Altitude Research. He obtained his PhD (Botany) from Magadh University, Bodh Gaya, Bihar in 1992. He has extensively surveyed trans-Himalayan belts of Ladakh and Lahaul-Spiti and documented the fragile plant biodiversity and its ethnobotanical wealth. Two research fellows have been awarded PhD under his supervision.

Bhuvnesh Kumar, Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Leh-Ladakh -194101

Dr Bhuvnesh Kumar is Director, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Delhi. He obtained his graduate degree in Veterinary Sciences (BVSc & AH), MVSc and PhD in Veterinary Medicine from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) in the year 1982, 1984 and 1999, respectively. He has been a member of G-FAST from Life Science cluster, Project Director of LIC Programme and Director, PM (LS). He has vast experience of working in mountainous regions covering western, central and north east Himalayas.