Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on October 8 chaired a meeting to review the outcomes of the recently held Seabuckthorn Conclave and discuss a comprehensive, mission-mode strategy to strengthen seabuckthorn production, harvesting, processing, value addition and marketing in Ladakh.

At the outset, Divisional Commissioner/Administrative Secretary, Agriculture and Horticulture, Ladakh, Shurbir Singh, and Administrative Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Himanshu Gupta, briefed the meeting on the current status of seabuckthorn production and collection in Ladakh. The briefing covered district-wise production, processing capacity, registered processors and unit holders, and key outcomes of the Seabuckthorn Conclave.

The meeting discussed the need for coordinated, market-oriented interventions to develop seabuckthorn into a commercially viable economic activity by strengthening the entire value chain, from village-level harvesting and aggregation to pulping, processing, value addition and marketing.

The Chief Secretary reviewed this year's production and procurement trends against those of the previous year and sought an assessment of the factors influencing changes in procurement rates. He also directed officials to examine the existing procurement mechanism, including variations in rates offered by different buyers, to ensure greater transparency and better returns for producers.

Emphasising the significant economic potential of seabuckthorn, the Chief Secretary called for village-wise planning for harvesting, aggregation and marketing. The meeting also discussed strengthening local processing units, establishing village-level pulping facilities and exploring viable models of joint ventures, public-private partnerships and private investment to expand processing and value addition within Ladakh.

The meeting particularly emphasised structured engagement with existing and potential buyers. The Chief Secretary directed officials to consult major buyers to understand their procurement requirements, purchasing capacity, pricing and long-term market needs, and identify opportunities for aggregation, processing and value addition. The initiative aims to expand the buyer base, strengthen market linkages and create sustainable economic opportunities for farmers, aggregators and processors.
Secretary, Planning, Himanshu Gupta, suggested exploring the feasibility of seabuckthorn cultivation in suitable areas of Nubra by identifying appropriate land and assessing its commercial potential.

The meeting also discussed developing a digital platform to connect farmers, aggregators, processors and buyers, improve market transparency and facilitate village-level aggregation. The Chief Secretary emphasised exploring wider domestic and international markets and studying successful seabuckthorn models in countries such as Mongolia for possible adaptation in Ladakh.

The concerned departments were directed to work in close coordination and prepare a practical roadmap covering production, scientific harvesting, processing, market linkages, investment opportunities and value addition. The roadmap will also focus on raising awareness among farmers about scientific harvesting practices, quality standards and market requirements.

The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner, Ladakh, Shurbir Singh; Administrative Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Himanshu Gupta; Mandeep Mittal, IFS; Additional Secretary Dr Usman Malik; Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Romil Singh Donk; Managing Director, SIDCO, Sonam Norbu; and other senior officers of the concerned departments.