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Are you ready for seabuckthorn wine?
Published on Sun, Nov 04, 2007 at 07:59, Updated on Sun, Nov 04, 2007 at 10:22 in Nation section
Tags: Seabuckthorn, Leh Nutrition Project ,
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: Seabuckthorn, a berry that grows in the harsh climate of Ladakh at the height of 10,000-14,000 feet is now minting money for a populace which has been long cut off from India's economic boom. The thorny bush, which was initially planted in Ladakh to stop soil erosion, has become a successful self help initiative.
The golden berry which has high anti-oxidant properties is now being used as a prime ingredient in over 20 different edible and non-edible products. Seabuckthorn juices, anti-ageing creams, tea, to name a few, are being marketed across India by big brand names such as Fab India.
The discovery of Seabuckthorn's use began as a small experiment by women of the Shoo-shuk village, where 33 women of Tseesta Lullu society spent days collecting the local berry.
"We started in one room in our village, just boiling the berry and making pulp for juices and jams," says Tsering Yankskit, one of the pioneers. "Then, with the help of Leh Nutrition Project, we expanded," she adds.
Furthermore, Seabuckthorn is all set to become an ingredient in the liquor industry.
"Whatever mash is left after the pulp is extracted is of no use," says Director Rural Development and former DC (Leh), Manoj Dwivedi. "Now, the Vijay Mallya group is using it to make wines. They have done a trial run and it has been successful."
Dwivedi adds that the wines are in great demand in Europe.
This year alone, 17 different co-operatives collected a total 153 metric tonnes of Seabuckthorn pulp, with an annual turnover of Rs 55 lakhs. Experts say that this is only the beginning.
"We are only utilising 5 per cent of the potential," says Leh's Seabuckthorn project's Nodal Officer, Tadpal Jolden. "If we go inside the forests, there is more, and people can benefit."
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