Leh, September 26(IPR): Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, AH &VS Departments Lok Nath Sharma inaugurated Seabuckthorn Processing Unit in Diskit area of Nubra Block in Leh District, today.
The processing unit is of local entrepreneurs consisting of three members. They had established the unit for the local farmers and promoting Seabuckthorn in Nubra Valley. It is known that Nubra Valley in Ladakh has plenty of Seabuckthorn and as per research and statistics, only 5-10% is collected and processed.
As per data, UT of Ladakh can do the business of 300-400 crores, if Seabuckthorn is properly collected, processed and value addition is done. It is pertinent to mention that Seabuckthorn has very high medicinal value and is rich in Vitamin C and has anti-cancer properties and can help to fight various diseases. Minister Sharma appreciated the work done by SSOCA as they were present in this difficult and also important area. On request of the Processing Unit, members directed SSOCA to take the organic certification work immediately and certified the Forest area from where the raw materials are collected.
Sharma also suggested to the members that the Government of India is providing various support under the Ministry of Food Processing and MSME. Whatever help and support required from the Government of Sikkim, the Minister assured to provide full cooperation.
The Minister was accompanied by the CEO SOFDA Sikkim Dr S Anbalagan, CEO SSOCA Sudhir Giri, Quality Manager SSOCA Binita Chettri including other officials.