Filed Under : by Gaurav
Saturday, July 17, 2010
The conservation of nature has reached to new level,as the new methods are applied to the every possible field where science can step to,such new researches are also helping the barren lands of Himalayan state to turn into fertile region.
Tucked away from the the public gaze the Defence Research and Development Organisation's with the help of local units and women's self help group are working for the project.
Under this project, the bright red berries of the seabuckthorn plant,which are popularly known as Leh Berries.This berry that grows wild in the high valleys of the Ladakh region. Seabuckthorn, also called the “Wonder plant” and “Ladakh gold” has multi-purpose medicinal and nutritional properties, and also helps in soil conservation and nitrogen fixation.
The aim is to bring a million hectares under cultivation by 2020, with an initial funding of Rs.25 crore in 2011 for preparatory work and a pilot programme in five districts, according to the Leh Declaration. It was adopted at the conclusion of a workshop for stakeholders, organised by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research.
China has a Rs 17,000-crore seabuckthorn market. Russia, Finland and Canada are the other major markets.
India currently has only 11,500 hectares under seabuckthorn cultivation, an area that is far outstripped by other countries where the plant is indigenous.
Locals have been aware of the medicinal properties of seabuckthorn and using its berries, leaves and roots for food, fodder and firewood. Even history is been touched by it- Genghis Khan used it to improve the memory, stamina, strength, fitness and disease-fighting abilities of his army. Soviet Cosmonauts on board the Mir space station used seabuckthorn cream to counter radiation. It is also known as the king of vitamin C.
It is major advance in conserve environ as it Hardy, drought-resistant and tolerant to extreme temperatures from – 43º C to + 40º C, the plant has an extensive root system which can fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it ideal for controlling soil erosion and preventing desertification.
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