Leh, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday inaugurated the first International Sea-Buckthorn Conclave 2026 in Leh, aimed at transforming the region’s “Wonder Berry” into a major source of livelihood and economic growth.
The administration has doubled the minimum procurement price of sea-buckthorn from ₹150 per kg last year to ₹300 per kg this year, providing better returns to farmers and local communities associated with its collection and production.
Sea-buckthorn grows naturally across Ladakh, but its thorny habitat makes harvesting difficult. As a result, around 85 percent of the annual crop currently goes to waste, with only 15 percent being commercially utilized. The administration has set a target of increasing utilization to at least 50 percent this year and 100 percent next year.
The conclave brings together around 20 key buyers, 120 MSMEs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and technical experts to explore modern cultivation, harvesting, processing, product development and market expansion.
Delegates and experts from Mongolia, Vietnam and Arunachal Pradesh are also participating and sharing experiences on developing sea-buckthorn-based products and strengthening the value chain.
The Ladakh administration is focusing on developing sea-buckthorn as an economic resource connecting farmers, local communities, MSMEs and markets. Enhanced procurement prices, improved crop recovery and greater processing capacity are expected to support the expansion of local sea-buckthorn products into national and international markets.
Speaking at the event, LG Vinai Kumar Saxena expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his role in giving global recognition to sea-buckthorn. He highlighted its nutritional and economic potential, saying the crop could become an important source of income for Ladakh’s rural and border communities.
