Leh: The Ladakh administration on Friday raised the minimum procurement price of Sea Buckthorn from ₹150 to ₹300 per kilogram, seeking to enhance returns for collectors and strengthen the region's processing and marketing chain for the indigenous berry, officials said.
Announcement at international conclave
The revised floor price was declared by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena during the inaugural session of the two-day International Sea Buckthorn Conclave being held in Leh. The event has drawn about 20 buyers and nearly 120 MSME-registered entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups active in the Sea Buckthorn sector, according to administration statements.
Participants also include experts, researchers and entrepreneurs from Mongolia, Vietnam and Arunachal Pradesh, reflecting growing interest in the crop beyond Ladakh's borders.
Targets for recovery and utilisation
The administration has set an ambitious target to raise the commercial recovery of naturally growing Sea Buckthorn from an estimated 15% at present to at least 50% within the current year, with the aim of achieving full utilisation by next year, officials said. Increasing commercial recovery means a larger share of harvested berries will be available for processing rather than being lost during collection or post-harvest handling.
| Metric | Current | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial recovery | 15% | 50% (this year) |
| Full utilisation | N/A | By next year |
Challenges and interventions
Officials acknowledged that harvesting remains a major obstacle. Sea Buckthorn grows in dense, thorny bushes, making berry collection labour-intensive and prone to losses. The administration said it is exploring modern harvesting methods to lower labour requirements, reduce wastage and boost the volume of berries reaching processors and markets.
- Price support: Minimum procurement price increased to ₹300/kg.
- Market linkages: Conclave connects buyers, MSMEs and SHGs for value addition.
- Research push: Proposal for a National Sanjeevani Research Centre under consideration.
The administration said it is preparing a comprehensive action plan that covers cultivation, harvesting, processing, packaging and marketing of Sea Buckthorn within Ladakh, with the stated objective of ensuring a larger share of economic value accrues to farmers, entrepreneurs and local communities.
Geographical identity and marketing
Officials highlighted the Geographical Indication (GI) registration for Ladakh Sea Buckthorn and its inclusion under the Union government's One District One Product (ODOP) initiative for Leh district as measures that have bolstered the berry's brand identity and market potential. Such recognitions, the administration said, will help differentiate Ladakh produce and command better prices in domestic and international markets.
Research centre proposal
A high-level committee constituted by the Union Ministry of Agriculture has been asked to examine the feasibility of establishing a dedicated National Sanjeevani Research Centre in Nubra Valley. The proposed centre would focus on research, genetic improvement, propagation, harvesting techniques and value addition for Sea Buckthorn, the administration said.
Officials expect a dedicated research facility to support varietal improvement, protocol development for propagation and mechanised or semi-mechanised harvesting approaches suited to Ladakh's terrain and climate.
Local impact and next steps
By doubling the procurement floor price and advancing measures for better recovery and research, the Ladakh administration aims to make Sea Buckthorn a viable livelihood option for local communities while promoting local enterprises involved in processing and product development. The success of these measures will depend on effective implementation of harvesting innovations, stronger market linkages built at the conclave and timely decisions from the central-level committee on the proposed research centre.
Officials said the administration will proceed with the action plan and follow up on the outcomes of the conclave in the coming weeks.
