Prelims 2012 · Environment · Question 41
Government of India encourages the cultivation of 'sea buckthorn'. What is the importance of this plant?
- It helps in controlling soil erosion and in preventing desertification.
- It is a rich source of biodiesel.
- It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in cold areas of high altitudes.
- Its timber is of great commercial value.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer
1 and 3 only
1. Correct. Sea buckthorn is used for soil conservation, stabilizing slopes/sand and helping check erosion and desertification.
2. Incorrect. It is not known as a major biodiesel plant in the UPSC context; its importance is mainly ecological, nutritional and medicinal.
3. Correct. Sea buckthorn berries are highly nutritious and the plant is well adapted to cold, arid, high-altitude regions such as the Himalayas.
4. Incorrect. It is a thorny shrub, not valued primarily for commercial timber.
Hence, statements 1 and 3 only are correct.