Mining Indian Cold-Desert-Gold: The Seabuckthorn for Health and Sustainable Development

Madhu Bala

doi:10.56093/aaz.v65i2.176415

Authors

Madhu Bala Institute of Defence Scientists and Technology, Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES), Brig. S.K. Mazumdar Marg, Delhi 110 055 India

https://doi.org/10.56093/aaz.v65i2.176415

Keywords:

Hippophae, cold-desert, radiation, sustainable development, health, nutrition, economic-growth

Abstract

The geopolitical situation warrants rapid and sustainable development in the cold desert regions of India, particularly at high-altitudes of Himalayas. However, the difficult terrain, inclement weather, extreme temperatures, low precipitation, intense solar radiation, all put together, challenge the traditional cultivation and job opportunities in such regions, thereby slowing growth and economic progress. These factors necessitate management and efficient use of natural resources through inclusive policies to strengthen the economy and promote growth. Seabuckthorn, a multipurpose dioecious shrub bearing orange- to yellow-coloured berries, has been growing abundantly in the Himalayan wilderness since the 8th century and is well adapted to the region’s harsh climatic conditions. Its berries and leaves offer significant pharmacological value, aligning traditional medicinal knowledge with modern scientific validation. Across the world, Seabuckthorn is gaining increasing recognition for its remarkable economical, ecological and pharmacological potential, rightly earning it the title “Cold-Desert-Gold”. Leading market research agency Stratistics MRC, forecasted Seabuckthorn global market to reach USD 890.7 million by 2030 at CGAR of 12.1%. It is noteworthy that the Indian Seabuckthorn market, though has remained nascent so far, yet demonstrates considerable potential for expansion. This paper briefly reviews the diverse uses of Seabuckthorn and opines on the gap areas for research, sustainable agricultural practices, strategic measures and policy support required to achieve multi-fold growth of Seabuckthorn-led sustainable development in Indian cold deserts.

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Author Biography

Madhu Bala, Institute of Defence Scientists and Technology, Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES), Brig. S.K. Mazumdar Marg, Delhi 110 055 India

Madhu Bala, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Gold Medallist) FABMS, FISRB, former Director of DIBER, DRDO Uttarakhand (2017–2022) and Addl. Director, INMAS, DRDO (2016–2017) is contributing at the intersection of Defence life science research and Applied plant sciences, spanning in areas of biological radiation protection, bioenergy, biofuels, bio-threat mitigation, and bio-resource conservation. Dr Bala’s tryst with Seabuckthorn began in year 2000; and she led a team of scientists and research scholars to unravel its extraordinary potential through fundamental research, subsequently integrated it into botanical preparations for radiation protection and therapies for rare pathologies debilitating the soldiers. While at Uttarakhand, Dr Bala promoted cultivation of Seabuckthorn, championing the cause of farmers. She served as President of Indian Society for Radiation Biology (2018–2025), and Vice President of Seabuckthorn Association of India (2019–2025). The team efforts of all research scholars, technical officers and associated scientists, in Seabuckthorn studies are gratefully acknowledged.

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