UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 41 of 98

UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Sea Buckthorn

Government of India encourages the cultivation of ‘sea buckthorn’. What is the importance of this plant?

1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and preventing desertification.

2. It is a rich source of biodiesel.

3. It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in cold areas of high altitudes.

4. Its timber is of great commercial value.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2, 3 and 4 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show answer

Answer: C. 1 and 3 only

Verdict

Correct Answer: 1 and 3 only

Analysis

Sea buckthorn is a hardy shrub found in cold, high-altitude Himalayan regions such as Ladakh and Lahaul-Spiti.

It is important for ecological restoration, nutrition and high-altitude livelihoods, but it is not valued for biodiesel or commercial timber.

Statement by statement

1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and preventing desertification — Correct

Sea buckthorn has an extensive root system that binds the soil.

It is also a nitrogen-fixing plant, which helps improve degraded and fragile ecosystems in cold desert regions.

2. It is a rich source of biodiesel — Incorrect

Sea buckthorn is not considered a major or rich source of biodiesel.

Do not confuse this with plants like Jatropha or Pongamia, which are more commonly associated with biodiesel production.

3. It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in cold areas of high altitudes — Correct

Sea buckthorn grows well in extremely cold, high-altitude areas.

Its berries are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, omega fatty acids and antioxidants, making it nutritionally valuable.

4. Its timber is of great commercial value — Incorrect

Sea buckthorn is a small, thorny shrub and does not produce commercially valuable timber.

This is not the defining feature of the plant.

Extra UPSC info

* Sea buckthorn is also known as Leh Berry.

* It is found mainly in cold desert regions of the Himalayas, especially Ladakh.

* It helps in afforestation, soil conservation and combating desertification.

* DRDO has used sea buckthorn-based products for soldiers posted in high-altitude regions.

* Ladakh Sea Buckthorn received a GI tag in 2023.

* It has both ecological and livelihood importance for local communities in Himalayan regions.

How to crack it

Sea buckthorn is important for soil conservation and nutrition in cold high-altitude areas, but it is not a major biodiesel source and has no great commercial timber value.

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