The Government of India encourages the cultivation of ‘sea buckthorn’. What is the importance of this plant:1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and in preventing deserti- fication.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?
✓ Correct answer: c) 1 and 3 only
ExplanationSeabuckthorn (soil binding, rich in vitamins) is a shrub which produces an orange-yellow coloured edible berry.It can be found in India above treeline in the Himalayan region, usually in arid places like the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti.Seabuckthorn grows naturally in Lahaul, Spiti, and some regions of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh.Statements 1 and 3 are correct: Seabuckthorn is a soil-bind- ing plant which prevents soil-erosion, it also has commercial value, as it is used in making juices, jams, nutritional capsules etc.Statement 2 is incorrect: While sea buckthorn has various uses, including medicinal and nutritional, it is not primarily known for being a biodiesel source.While some studies have explored its potential as a biofuel, it is not widely regarded as a primary source of biodiesel.Statement 4 is incorrect: Sea buckthorn does not have signif- icant commercial value for its timber.The plant is primarily valued for its fruits, oils, and medicinal properties, not for timber production.230
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