India: State of Himachal Pradesh explores hemp's potential for medical and economic development

As the world becomes more aware of hemp's potential as a sustainable and versatile crop, the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is taking steps to explore its potential in various applications, including medicinal and healthcare. According to Finance Minister Jagat Singh Negi, a government-appointed committee is currently studying the market and revenue potential of hemp, as well as the possibilities for job creation through a robust production program of this sustainable crop.

The committee formed by the government of Himachal Pradesh is also looking at the impact of hemp regulation in neighboring states such as Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh, where hemp programs are more advanced. The aim is to make the state a leader in attracting investment, while increasing the economic prospects of impoverished rural areas and capitalizing on the environmental benefits of hemp.

Hemp is a versatile crop that can be used to produce a wide range of products, including bioplastics, natural building materials, pharmaceuticals, Ayurvedic products, textiles, food and cosmetics. The state of Himachal Pradesh considers hemp production as a contribution to these various sectors.

The challenges of the hemp sector in India

Although the production and sale of industrial hemp products has been legal in India for several decades, the development of the hemp industry has been slow. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985 (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances – NDPS) allows the cultivation of hemp plants with less than 0,3% THC for industrial applications. However, many Indian states still have not approved hemp production.

In 2018 the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) approved the cultivation of industrial hemp for research purposes in Uttarakhand. Since then, several states including Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir have started pilot projects. However, commercialization has been slow and research is still in its early stages.

India faces several challenges in developing a robust hemp industry. The weak ecosystem for developing hemp food products is one of the biggest challenges, exacerbated by a gap in knowledge and understanding of the processes involved in bringing products to market. Consumers also need to be informed and educated about the benefits of hemp.

Another challenge is the shortage of quality hemp seeds for planting and genetics for seed crops intended for the production of cereals for food. However, with renewed government attention to the potential of hemp, there are opportunities for companies and entrepreneurs to invest in research and development to overcome these challenges.

Hemp's potential for economic growth and environmental sustainability cannot be underestimated. With government efforts to tap the potential of hemp and attract investment, the state of Himachal Pradesh can become a leader in the hemp industry in India. However, collaboration between government, business and farmers will be needed to overcome the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities ahead.