# Himachal's Wild Superfruit Seabuckthorn Gets GI Tag, Packs 10 to 12 Times More Vitamin C Than Oranges

> The Government of India has granted a GI tag to Seabuckthorn, or Charma, the Himalayan superfruit found in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul-Spiti district, which contains 10 to 12 times more Vitamin C than oranges.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Himachal Pradesh · **Published:** 2026-07-14 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/himachal-pradesh/himachal-ke-spiti-kshetra-ke-jngali-phala-chharama-ko-mila-gi-taiga-vitamina-si-men-sntare-ko-bhi-pichhe-chhorata-hai-yaha-suparap-7634 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** GI tag, Seabuckthorn, Charma, Lahaul-Spiti, Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, Vitamin C, Himalayan superfruit

Lahaul-Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh, famously known as India's cold desert, has reason to celebrate. The Government of India has granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Seabuckthorn, locally called Charma, a Himalayan superfruit found across the district's Spiti region. The tag gives the fruit a distinct legal identity at both the national and international level, and is expected to bring fresh economic strength to local farmers, self-help groups and the wider regional economy.

## A distinct identity in new markets
With the GI tag now in place, Seabuckthorn from Spiti will enter domestic and international markets carrying its own unique identity. According to the forest department, the recognition marks an important step toward branding local produce, improving marketing efforts and ensuring farmers get a fair price for their harvest. It is expected to raise farmers' incomes while opening up fresh employment and self-employment opportunities in the region.

## Ten to twelve times more Vitamin C than oranges
Indrajit Seera, an official at the Kalang forest division, said Seabuckthorn, whose scientific name is Hippophae rhamnoides, is a thorny shrub that grows naturally in the Himalaya's cold, dry desert terrain. It contains 10 to 12 times more Vitamin C than oranges. The shrub is also a rich source of Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9 and the rarer Omega-7 fatty acids, which are considered highly beneficial for skin health, heart health and immunity.

## From herbal medicine to soil conservation
Seera said Seabuckthorn is widely used to make herbal medicines, health products and nutrient-rich food items. Beyond its health benefits, the thorny shrub also plays an important role in preventing soil erosion and turning barren land green. Notably, this Himalayan superfruit is also found in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district.

## What this means for you
The GI tag will directly affect farmers' incomes and the region's identity in Lahaul-Spiti.

- **Across India:** Seabuckthorn products will now reach major domestic markets as a certified Himalayan superfruit, making it easier for consumers to identify the genuine, high-quality product.
- **In Lahaul-Spiti:** Local farmers and women's self-help groups will get a better price for their produce, and the region will see new employment and self-employment opportunities.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Who granted the GI tag to Seabuckthorn and for which area?
The Government of India granted the GI tag to Seabuckthorn, also called Charma, found in the Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul-Spiti district.

### 2. How much Vitamin C does Seabuckthorn contain compared to oranges?
It contains 10 to 12 times more Vitamin C than oranges.

### 3. What is the scientific name of Seabuckthorn?
Its scientific name is Hippophae rhamnoides.

### 4. What other nutrients does Seabuckthorn contain besides Vitamin C?
It contains Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9 and the rarer Omega-7 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin, heart health and immunity.

### 5. How will the GI tag benefit farmers?
It will lead to better branding and marketing of produce, ensure farmers get fair prices, and create new employment and self-employment opportunities.

### 6. Is Seabuckthorn found only in Spiti?
No, this Himalayan superfruit is also found in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district.

### 7. What is Seabuckthorn used for?
It is used to make herbal medicines, health products and nutrient-rich food items, and the shrub also helps prevent soil erosion and greens barren land.

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