Endorsing the declining indigenous ethnobotanical knowledge system of seabuckthorn in Central Himalaya, India

Abstract

Aim of the study: Based on research findings this study is aimed to generate database on ethnobotanical aspects, sustainable utilization by value addition and awareness generation through outreach programme related to Hippophae salicifolia D. Don. (Elaeagnaceae) in the higher Himalayan zone of Uttarakhand in Central Himalaya, India.

Materials and methods: An in-depth survey from June 2004 to July 2006 followed by 480 interviews with the help of semi-structured questionnaires was carried out in 24 Hippophae growing locations in 12 different valleys of Uttarakhand.

Results: Plant has immense multipurpose properties and is traditionally utilized for food (20(Min)-90%(Max)), medicine (10(Min)-60%(Max)), veterinary (20(Min)-100%(Max)), fuel (10(Min)-80%(Max)), fencing (20(Min)-80%(Max)), agricultural tools (20(Min)-50%(Max)) and dye mordant (60%). Besides, awareness programmes and value added product demonstration resulted in economical upliftment of local inhabitants of Central Himalaya.

Conclusion: The present manuscript will certainly provide an ethnobotanical statistics' impact on the modern scientific societies regarding conservation, cultivation and popularization of this underutilized wild edible species at mass scale. Simultaneously, these findings have important connotations in light of upcoming organic food and nutraceutical industries in the country.