Leh, September 19, 2026: The two-day Seabuckthorn Conclave-cum-Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet 2026, organised by the Department of Industries and Commerce, UT Ladakh under RAMP, concluded at Hotel Zen, Leh, with a renewed focus on transforming Ladakh’s seabuckthorn resources into a sustainable economic opportunity through scientific cultivation, value addition, modern processing and wider market linkages.
The conclave brought together experts, scientists, researchers, government representatives, farmers, producers, entrepreneurs, industry stakeholders and delegates from Mongolia to deliberate on product development, certification, packaging, branding, marketing and domestic and international opportunities for Ladakh’s seabuckthorn sector.
Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, attended the valedictory session as Chief Guest, while Administrative Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Himanshu Gupta, was the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary called for a comprehensive, scientific and industry-driven approach to unlock the full potential of seabuckthorn as an important economic resource for Ladakh. He emphasised increasing production and harvesting, strengthening value addition, developing professional branding, maintaining quality standards and establishing stronger domestic and international market linkages.
Kundra highlighted the importance of learning from Mongolia’s experience in seabuckthorn cultivation and processing and appreciated the participation of Mongolian experts. He stressed the need to establish stronger linkages between farmers and processing industries so that greater value generated across the supply chain reaches cultivators and local communities.
He also highlighted the historical and cultural connections between Ladakh and Mongolia and welcomed the emerging possibilities for economic cooperation.
The Chief Secretary observed that a substantial portion of Ladakh’s seabuckthorn grows naturally in the wild, while only a limited share of the available resource is currently harvested and processed. He called for scientific measures to bridge this gap, increase production and harvesting and explore suitable possibilities for commercial cultivation, while ensuring that cultivation is closely integrated with processing and industry.
He advocated a sustainable and mutually beneficial value-chain model involving farmers, entrepreneurs and industries. While acknowledging that local entrepreneurs are already producing pulp, juice and other seabuckthorn-based products, he emphasised the need to scale up production, ensure consistent quality, establish modern processing facilities, strengthen branding and expand market access.
Calling attention to the domestic and international potential of Ladakh’s seabuckthorn, Kundra stressed the importance of producing high-quality finished products within Ladakh and exploring export markets. He also underlined the ecological importance of seabuckthorn, particularly its role in soil protection, and called for scientific planning for its cultivation and management in suitable areas.
Drawing parallels with sectors such as apricot and pashmina, the Chief Secretary encouraged the exploration of cooperative, farmer-producer and enterprise-led models tailored to seabuckthorn. He said the broader objective should be to strengthen the rural economy while creating opportunities for value addition, entrepreneurship and employment.
One-Month Strategy Paper Proposed
The Chief Secretary directed the Department of Industries and Commerce to prepare a strategy/approach paper within one month, in consultation with experts, farmers, local entrepreneurs, scientists and other stakeholders.
The proposed document will focus on production and harvesting, commercial cultivation, processing and value addition, investment opportunities, quality standards, branding and market development.
He also suggested institutional collaboration with Mongolia and proposed that a Ladakh delegation could visit Mongolia to study its seabuckthorn cultivation, processing and industry models. He stressed the need for modern processing facilities in Ladakh to enable large-scale value addition and improve the competitiveness of locally produced products.
Appreciating the field-based components of the conclave, including demonstrations on tools, seeding and planting practices, Kundra said such initiatives could help farmers and entrepreneurs adopt more scientific and modern methods of seabuckthorn cultivation and management.
Technical Sessions Focus on Value Addition & Global Markets
The second day featured a series of technical and interactive sessions covering key aspects of seabuckthorn development.
The Product Development and Diversification session featured presentations by Dr Vidhyashankar Srivatsan, IHBT, on value addition and future prospects of seabuckthorn, and Dr Parabdh Badgujar, NIFTEM, on product development. Discussions focused on challenges and opportunities in developing diversified seabuckthorn products.
Dr Tsering Stobdan, DIHAR-DRDO, Leh, led a session on the current status, opportunities and way forward for seabuckthorn in Ladakh.
A dedicated session on value addition, certification and export opportunities was conducted by Ms Shehreen Maqbool, Regional Head, Ladakh & J&K, APEDA, who highlighted avenues for facilitating exports and expanding market opportunities.
Dr D.K. Aggarwal conducted a session on SC-ST schemes, providing information on available schemes and support mechanisms for eligible stakeholders.
The participation of Mongolian delegates Mrs Tsetsegsuvd Zagir, Head, UVS Seabuckthorn Producer Association, and Ms Uranchimeg Enebish, Senior Manager, Sustainable Agriculture, UVS Khuns JSC, facilitated an exchange of experiences on seabuckthorn production, processing and sustainable agriculture.
A session on packaging of seabuckthorn value-added products, led by Mr Rahul Tripude, Deputy Director, Institute of Packaging, Delhi, examined packaging challenges and solutions aimed at improving product presentation, shelf appeal and marketability.
Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Himanshu Gupta, presented an overview of the proceedings and key outcomes of the two-day conclave.
The concluding technical session, led by Dr Disket Dolkar, Scientist, Fruit Science, KVK Leh, University of Ladakh, focused on assessment of seabuckthorn populations, quality germplasm and marketing potential in Ladakh.
The conclave concluded with an emphasis on building stronger linkages among farmers, producers, processors, researchers, government institutions and potential buyers, with the larger objective of promoting value addition, entrepreneurship, investment and wider markets for Ladakh’s seabuckthorn products.
As part of the programme, delegates also visited Leh Market, followed by a networking dinner that provided an opportunity for further interaction and exchange among stakeholders.
Secretary, School Education and Cooperatives Smt Bhanu Prabha, experts and representatives from Mongolia, farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, researchers and other stakeholders were present during the valedictory session.
