Shimla: Spiti Valley sea buckthorn, locally known as 'Chharma', has received the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag, a move expected to boost sea buckthorn cultivation in Himachal Pradesh, improve market recognition and strengthen livelihood opportunities for farmers and self-help groups in the high-altitude region.

Traditionally harvested from the wild, the nutrient-rich berry has gradually emerged as a commercially valuable crop owing to its nutritional and medicinal properties.

It is processed into a range of products, including juices, jams, herbal teas, health supplements and cosmetics, generating additional income for local communities.

Members of self-help groups involved in processing sea buckthorn say the market has expanded considerably over the years. Poonam, a member of one such group, said demand for sea buckthorn products has risen steadily since the group began working with the berry in 2009.

Increased awareness and value addition have helped transform it into a sustainable source of income for many rural women.

Residents believe the GI tag will further strengthen the berry's identity and improve its commercial prospects.

According to resident Mangal Chand, sea buckthorn has become an important supplementary crop for farmers in Spiti Valley, and the GI recognition is likely to encourage wider cultivation across the region.

Despite the growing demand, farmers say several challenges continue to limit expansion.

A cultivator, who has been growing sea buckthorn for more than three decades, alleged that repeated applications for government assistance have yielded no financial support, making it difficult to scale up production.

Local leaders and experts say the GI tag is an important milestone but stress that sustained investment is needed to realise the crop's full potential.

They have called for improved hybrid varieties, scientific research, modern processing facilities, and stronger government backing to help farmers increase production and value addition.

Former Lahaul and Spiti MLA Ravi Thakur urged the Union government to introduce dedicated projects for sea buckthorn development, highlighting its importance as a medicinal and high-value crop with significant economic potential for the Himalayan region.

For the people of Spiti Valley, the GI tag represents more than just recognition.

They hope it will pave the way for better infrastructure, greater investment and improved market access, enabling sea buckthorn to emerge as a major driver of sustainable livelihoods in Himachal Pradesh.