Sea Buckthorn in Ladakh: Navigating the Path from Traditional use to Global Prominence

Ladakh covers 80–85% of the total sea buckthorn area in India which grows wild and that too luxuriantly. It contributed to the traditional medicine system for ages without any true economic benefit. After decades of recognizing its immense value in the international market, researchers across the country have recently begun to explore its niches and exploit the crop in ways never seen before. The prominence of the crop is underscored by significant government projects and missions, highlighting its increasing importance. Multinational corporations worldwide view Ladakh as a potential source of inexpensive raw materials, though government regulations and policies currently limit accessibility. Commercial exploitation of the crop has recently commenced on a modest scale, yielding substantial profits for stakeholders. While cultivation for commercial purposes remains an aspiration, Ladakh can look forward to an economic revolution with the proper technological and political support.