Environment & Ecology2012
The 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
- It is a rich source of biodiesel.
- It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in
- Its timber is of great commercial value.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
The correct option is "1 and 3 only" for the cultivation of sea buckthorn because this plant plays a crucial role in controlling soil erosion and preventing desertification, particularly in fragile ecosystems like cold deserts. Additionally, sea buckthorn is nutritionally valuable, as it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and is well-adapted to thrive in cold, high-altitude areas, making it suitable for cultivation in regions like the Himalayas. Statements 2 and 4 are incorrect as sea buckthorn is not primarily recognized as a rich source of biodiesel and its timber is not commercially valued compared to other hardwood species.