Context:

• Seabuckthorn plant is popularly known as Leh berries.
• The MoEF and DRDO have launched a major national initiative for seabuckthorn cultivation in the high-altitude, cold desert ecosystems.
• The initiative is one of many conservation measures for fragile high-altitude ecosystems.
• Seabuckthorn, also called the “Wonder plant” and “Ladakh gold”.

Uses

• It has multi-purpose medicinal and nutritional properties, and also helps in soil conservation and nitrogen fixation.
• Hardy, drought-resistant and tolerant to extreme temperatures from – 43º C to + 40º C, the plant has an extensive root system which can fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it ideal for controlling soil erosion and preventing desertification.
• The initiative is a part of Sub-Mission on Cold Desert Ecosystems under the Green India Mission — which is a part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change.