Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Nov 26: Minister for Social Welfare, Forests and Ecology, Mr. Bali Bhagat attended the 7th Conference of the International Seabuckthorn Association held on the topic “Seabuckthorn: Emerging Technologies for Health Protection & Environment Conservation”.
As many as 200 delegates from 17 countries of Asia, Europe and North America gathered in the 3 day Conference.
Speaking in the conference, Bali Bhagat said 75% of the total area under seabuckthorn in India is in J&K’s Ladakh region and it is also popularly called as Leh Berry. He said that it has emerged that afforestation and cultivation of seabuckthorn has high potential in combating climate change, conservation of soil, water, biodiversity, wild life, nutrition security, health protection and socio-economic upliftment of local population.
He said the initial research work on this plant started in Ladakh region and this wonder plant come to limelight in our country when the Leh based Defence Institute of High Altitude Research of DRDO transferred its technology to a private firm and the popular drink, ‘Leh Berry’ hit the market. Later on DIHAR developed a large number of products and transferred the technologies to many companies. The recent transfer of five seabuckthorn based technologies by this institute to Patanjali Ayurved in August this year further highlighted the importance of this wonder plant.
The Minister also said that Jammu & Kashmir Government will provide special focus on seabuckthorn plantation from next year particularly in Leh and Kargil district. He said the Leh Forest Division has undertaken seabuckthorn plantation in Nubra valley particularly for sand dune fixation.
Bali Bhagat said that deliberations in the conference will provide insights for devising strategies to promote sustainable development of Seabuckthorn in India. He hoped that the discussions held during this conference will provide an opportunity to ensure food and environment security in Himalayan States and help the scientific community understand the ‘golden bush’ better than they do now.
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