¨
Cultivation of industrial hemp has started in Himachal Pradesh.
¨ The ‘Green to Gold’ initiative has been
initiated by Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Sukhu to achieve the vision of a
self-reliant Himachal Pradesh by 2027.
¨ The aim of initiative is to change the state
from illicit trade to global leadership in bio-economy through legalising and
regulation of the cultivation of industrial hemp.
¨ With this, cannabis will be known for its
medicinal properties for pain management and inflammation.
¨ Cannabis will also be known for its uses in
the textile and apparel industry, paper and packaging industry, cosmetics and
personal care industry, biofuel and energy industry, etc.
¨ Cannabis has long grown naturally in Kullu,
Mandi, and Chamba districts and was linked mainly to illegal drug trade.
¨ The new initiative will change its public
perception.
¨ All permitted hemp cultivation in Himachal
Pradesh must have tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content below 0.3 per cent.
¨ This threshold makes the plant
non-intoxicating and entirely unsuitable for misuse as a drug.
¨ The industrial hemp is a climate-resilient
crop. It requires 50 per cent less water than traditional fibre crops like
cotton.
¨ It can thrive even in soils where other crops
struggle.
¨ Research institutions like CSK HPKV Palampur
and Dr Y.S. Parmar University in Nauni is also leading pilot studies to support
the transition.
¨ Scientists are developing high-yield seed
varieties while maintaining low THC levels.
¨ The aim of the Hemp-hub vision is to develop
Himachal Pradesh as a manufacturing centre for ‘Hempcrete’.
¨
Hempcrete is an innovative, carbon-negative construction material.
