Traditional resource of food and nutritional security through sea buckthorn (Hipphophae rhamnoides) in cold arid Ladakh, India

Sea buckthorn (SB) is a deciduous, fast growing multipurpose thorny shrub-like plant abundantly found in Ladakh region. It prefers to grow in all types of land forms, landforms preferably in low humid, alluvial gravel, wet landslips and riverside. It serves for a number of purposes such as soil conservation, medicines, food, fodder and fuelwood due to its extensive subterranean rooting system, strong soil binding ability and water retention capability. Studies revealed that SB contains a significant amount of minerals, total sugars, vitamins, and elemental components, which varied with landform types. This bush was recorded in diverse situations in Ladakh, associated with plant species on stretches of barren, rugged and rocky terrain, scattered pockets of subsistence agriculture and around natural pastures. It is a part daily ration and diet for Indian soldiers for nutritional security under high altitude conditions. It was found to support associated biodiversity, especially livestock by providing plenty of vegetation around for their consumption and shelters, respectively.