Seabuckthorn: An Underutilized Resource for the Nutritional Security and Livelihood Improvement of Rural Communities in Uttarakhand Himalaya

Abstract

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae salicifolia) is one of the potential underutilized plant species having huge multipurpose benefits including economic and ecological. Comparative study of fruit morphology, architecture, and juice yield productivity revealed that fruit berries of Seabuckthorn in Mana valley was found superior and can provide higher economic return than the berries of other plant species. Moreover, awareness programmes related to nutritional worth and development and demonstration of value added product resulted in economy generation for local inhabitants. Several countries are commercially and ecologically harnessing the potential of Seabuckthorn for livelihood enhancement and environmental conservation. Correspondingly, in Indian Himalayan region, Seabuckthorn plant can also offer benefits of nutrition, food, medicine, cosmetic, etc., to the rural people for their socioeconomic development. Findings presented here have important connotations in light of upcoming organic food and nutraceutical industries in the country. The current study will also help in developing value chain of Seabuckthorn in Uttarakhand.

Keywords:

• bio-prospecting
• underutilized species
• socioeconomic
• sustainable rural development
• Seabuckthorn

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors wish to thank the Director of the G. B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, for providing facilities. We are also grateful to Department of Science and Technology (SERC Division), New Delhi, for financial support.