Economic opportunities brought by sea buckthorn in the cold desert area of Nubra Valley, Ladakh

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is one of the potential resources in improving the socio-economic growth and environmental conservation of the mountain communities of Trans-Himalaya due to its high nutritional and medicinal value. This study aims at identifying the significance of seabuckthorn, its uses, limitations and livelihood opportunities in the cold desert area of the Nubra valley. Simple random sampling method was applied to select the sample size. The study is based on primary data and information collected from 360 sample households in the Nubra valley through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The result reveals that sea buckthorn plays an important role in improving the livelihood options to the local people of the Nubra valley due to its highly valuable uses such as in medicines, cosmetics, beverages, etc. But results also found that most people were still unaware about this wonder plant. As a result, sea buckthorn production potential is being underutilised in Nubra valley due to the lack of awareness programmes, training facilities and a secure market. Thus, government should intervene to design appropriate policies for enhancing the livelihood and employment opportunities in the Nubra valley through seabuckthorn.