Seabuckthorn cultivation in Himalayan states highlighted as higher-return option than apple

Himalayan states could copy Mongolia’s approach to seabuckthorn farming to raise farm incomes and support conservation, an industry official said on Monday. Seabuckthorn cultivation could also cut India’s reliance on imported pulp for local companies. Seabuckthorn Association of India (SAI) President Virendra Singh said the crop could bring better returns than apple.

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Seabuckthorn is a small tree or shrub found in high-altitude zones of Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. The fruit contains vitamin C, antioxidants and omega fatty acids. Singh said Indian firms already use seabuckthorn in more than 150 products, including juices, foods, cosmetics and oil capsules.

Seabuckthorn cultivation demand rises for Indian companies

India currently collects about 700-800 tons of seabuckthorn fruit from wild stands in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Singh said demand has climbed to 2,000 tons after large firms entered. Social media posts about health benefits also pushed interest. Singh said demand may reach 5,000 tons within 3-5 years.

Singh said the seabuckthorn fruit pulp rate has nearly doubled in a year. Singh linked the jump to stronger buying by companies. Singh added that this trend has made seabuckthorn more profitable than apple in many cases. Singh said supply is still limited because most fruit comes from natural forests.

Seabuckthorn cultivation challenges and CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University work

Low output from wild plants is tied to several field problems, Singh said. The berries are small and yields are low in many areas. Thorns make picking hard, and tools for harvesting are limited. Singh said these factors reduce collection from natural forests, even when demand remains high.

Singh said CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur has standardised cultivation technologies for seabuckthorn. Singh added that the university has imported 12 Russian varieties. Singh described them as mild thorny and high yielding. Singh, a former seabuckthorn scientist at Palampur University, said these steps can support farm planting.

Seabuckthorn cultivation model from Mongolia and Russian varieties

Singh said he recently returned from Mongolia after a study tour. Singh said Mongolia has brought in many Russian seabuckthorn varieties over the past 40 years. Singh added that the country planted seabuckthorn on over 7000 ha of land. Singh said fruit and leaves are supplied to more than 20 large industries there.

Singh said Mongolian universities and institutes have agreed to provide seabuckthorn varieties. Singh added they are also ready to train Indian scientists in modern cultivation methods. Singh said he met Indian Ambassador Atul Malhari Gotsure. Singh said the ambassador assured support for transferring Russian varieties and related technologies.

Singh said the methods could suit drier zones in the Himalayan cold deserts. Singh linked this to similar geography and climate between parts of the Himalayas and Mongolia. Singh said he will submit his Mongolia report to the Government of India. Singh said he will also share it with four Himalayan states and the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Singh said he plans to meet policymakers to speed up seabuckthorn cultivation in each region. Singh said wider planting could improve farmers’ livelihoods and aid environmental conservation. Singh added that Indian companies now import seabuckthorn fruit pulp from China and other countries. Singh said imports continue due to limited raw material and the lack of a government cultivation programme.

With inputs from PTI