SRINAGAR: The Union Agriculture Ministry has moved to assess a proposal for establishing a dedicated national research centre for Sea Buckthorn in Ladakh’s Nubra Valley, with a high-level committee constituted to examine its feasibility and institutional framework, officials said.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) constituted the committee on August 21 following a proposal submitted by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena to Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on August 14, a Lok Bhawan spokesperson said.
The proposed National Sanjeevani Research Centre would be located in Nubra Valley, identified as Ladakh’s largest Sea Buckthorn-producing area, and is intended to strengthen research, cultivation, processing, value addition and commercialisation of the Himalayan crop.
Sea Buckthorn is a naturally occurring Himalayan plant with applications across agriculture, food, nutraceuticals and processing, while also offering potential livelihood opportunities for rural communities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously highlighted its medicinal and nutritional properties during his Mann Ki Baat programme and referred to it as “Sanjeevani”.
The committee, headed by V B Patel, Additional Director General, Horticultural Science Division, ICAR, undertook its first field visit to Ladakh on August 24 and held discussions with officials and other stakeholders.
Its members include Maheshwar Singh, Dean (Agriculture), University of Ladakh, Leh; Tsering Stobdan, Scientist-F, DRDO, Leh; and Tsewang Punchok, Director (Horticulture), UT Ladakh administration.
The panel has been asked to assess the existing status of Sea Buckthorn genetic resources in Ladakh, along with its natural distribution, cultivation, production, utilisation and ongoing research.
It will also examine possible institutional arrangements for the proposed initiative. These include establishing a standalone national research centre, creating a regional station under an existing ICAR institute, or developing a multi-institutional network involving ICAR, the UT administration, DRDO, CSIR, AYUSH and industry.
The committee will further assess mechanisms for expanding production and commercial activity, including farmer clusters, nurseries, cooperatives and public-private partnerships covering cultivation, processing and marketing.
As part of its feasibility assessment, the panel has also been tasked with preparing broad financial projections for capital and recurring expenditure, human resources and equipment. It will propose a five-year action plan containing measurable outputs, timelines and monitoring indicators.
ICAR has directed the committee to submit a comprehensive feasibility report and detailed project report within 45 days of its constitution.
Saxena said the proposed centre could help convert Ladakh’s Sea Buckthorn resources into scientific innovations, value-added products and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The initiative is envisaged as a research and innovation hub aimed at supporting farmers, entrepreneurs and local communities while promoting sustainable commercialisation of Sea Buckthorn in Ladakh.
