Secretary Horticulture, UT Ladakh, Bhupesh Chaudhary conducted an extensive visit to the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Seabuckthorn Cultivation at Nimoo on April 25 to review ongoing developmental initiatives, horticultural demonstrations, and processing facilities aimed at boosting high-value horticulture in the region.

Secretary Chaudhary was accompanied by Director Horticulture, Tsewang Phunchok; Chief Horticulture Officer Leh, Kunzang Wangmo; In-charge of the Apricot Processing Unit, Nimoo, Tsering Ngodup; and other departmental officials.

During the visit, the Director Horticulture briefed the Secretary on the Centre’s expansion activities, including the development of an additional eight kanals of land dedicated exclusively to Seabuckthorn nursery and orchard cultivation.

The department is actively conducting regular on-site demonstrations and training programs to promote Seabuckthorn farming, which is rapidly emerging as one of Ladakh’s most commercially viable horticultural sectors. Seabuckthorn, a hardy shrub native to cold desert climates, is valued for its berries rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Ladakh accounts for a significant share of India's Seabuckthorn production, offering immense potential for enhancing farmers’ incomes through both domestic consumption and value-added exports.

Appreciating the department’s initiatives, Secretary Chaudhary directed that all available cultivable land at the Centre be brought under Seabuckthorn plantation. He emphasised that well-maintained demonstration plots are crucial for motivating and training farmers to adopt Seabuckthorn cultivation, given its high market demand and profitability.

As part of the visit, the Secretary also inspected the Centre’s apricot nursery, apple orchard, and almond orchard. He commended the department for maintaining high standards and promoting varietal diversification, which supports the broader vision of horticultural advancement in Ladakh.

Further, Secretary Chaudhary visited the Seabuckthorn and apricot processing unit housed within the CoE campus and interacted with local entrepreneur Gyaltson, who is managing the facility. During the interaction,  Gyaltson highlighted the substantial unmet demand for both apricot and Seabuckthorn products, noting that current levels of raw produce collection and processing are insufficient to meet market needs, resulting in lost opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.

In response, Secretary Chaudhary instructed the Horticulture Department and the entrepreneur to collaboratively maximise raw material procurement and enhance processing capacities ahead of the upcoming harvest season. He stressed that efforts must be focused on improving economic returns for local farmers by ensuring better price realisation and enhanced market connectivity.

The visit underscores the UT Administration’s commitment to strengthening Ladakh’s agro-economy through sustainable horticultural practices, value chain development, and entrepreneurial support. The initiatives at Nimoo are expected to play a transformative role in making Seabuckthorn and apricot cultivation major drivers of rural prosperity in the region.