Leh, December 19: The Principal Secretary of the UT Ladakh, Sanjeev Khirwar chaired a meeting regarding the Seabuckthorn mission at the Civil Secretariat Leh.
The focus of the meeting was on mission formation, promotion of seabuckthorn cultivation, processing, and value-added production to boost the region’s economy and create sustainable livelihoods. This initiative is part of the Union Territory’s efforts under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
During the meeting, discussions and deliberations were held on the Seabuckthorn Mission, and it was informed that “Society Mode” to be adopted for the promotion and cultivation of seabuckthorn.
The Principal Secretary emphasised that multi Department’s coordination is required in this regard. Stressing on the society mode, the Secretary said that existing Apex Body should be dissolved and once the Mission is formed, further course of action to be taken accordingly.
The Principal Secretary further said that guidelines related to seabuckthorn under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), should be followed for the promotion of sea buckthorn in UT Ladakh.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Ladakh region is harvesting 5-6% Sea buckthorn annually, 666MT was harvested by berry collectors in the year 2024, while 315 MT was harvested in the year 2023.
The meeting was attended by the Director of Commerce and Industries UT Ladakh; Director of Finance UT Ladakh; Joint Director Planning Development UT Ladakh; and other concerned officials joined the meeting. Director of Horticulture joined the meeting virtually.
