Hemp
Pakistan holds 1st international event on industrial hemp value chain
The University of Agriculture of Faisalabad (UAF), in Pakistan, is hosting a groundbreaking event this week, from 15 to 17 January 2025, to explore the value chain and potential of industrial hemp. This is the first conference on industrial hemp to be held in Pakistan and aims to highlight hemp as a versatile and strategic resource for the country. Under the theme ‘Implications, Challenges and Prospects’, the conference will address the applications of hemp in areas such as textiles, construction, food, nutrition and health.
The event includes a workshop with several technical sessions and an interactive exhibition with hemp-based products and services, promoting partnerships and connections between companies and stakeholders in order to evaluate the potential of hemp as a sustainable raw material.
The program has a diverse agenda, including lectures facilitated by several international experts and technical panels, including:
- Day 1 (January 15):
- 10 pm - 00 am: Inaugural session on the implications and challenges of the hemp value chain
- 14 pm - 00 am: Technical Session 1 – “The Science of Hemp: Harvesting and Processing Strategies”, focusing on innovative techniques to optimize cultivation and fiber extraction.
- Day 2 (January 16):
- 9 pm - 00 am: Technical Session 2 – “Building a Sustainable Future: Use of Hemp in the Textile Industry”, addressing advanced technologies and applications
- 14 pm - 00 am: Technical Session 3 – “Sustainability and Application of Hemp in Bioplastics, Paper Products and Building Materials”
- Day 3 (January 17):
- 9 pm - 00 am: Technical Session 4 – “Versatility of Hemp in Health and Nutrition”, exploring the therapeutic and nutritional potential of the plant
- 14 pm - 30 am: Closing ceremony and distribution of awards for the best exhibitors.
The workshops will also feature lectures by international experts, such as Fei-Hu Liu (Yunnan University, China), a leader in industrial hemp breeding programs; Larry Smart (Cornell University, USA), specialist in hemp genetics, Morris Beegle (President of WAFBA LLC, USA), advocate of sustainable practices; and Ben Dronkers (Founder of HempFlax BV, Netherlands), pioneer in natural fiber technologies.
Additionally, regional leaders such as John Mohammad, Chairman of the Malaysian Industrial Hemptech Association, will share insights on the expansion of hemp in Asia.
The interactive fair will feature demonstrations of hemp-based products, such as textiles, bioplastics and health items, where visitors will have the opportunity to make networking with companies and researchers interested in strategic partnerships.
“Under the leadership of Muhammad Sarwar Khan, Vice-Rector of UAF, and the coordinators Saddam Hussain e Assad Farooq, the workshop is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, says the event organizers.
“By bringing together global leaders, the event promises to shape the future of hemp in Pakistan and strengthen its position in the global value chain, showcasing the plant’s potential to transform industrial sectors and promote sustainability,” they said.
This event marks an important step for hemp in Pakistan, strengthening its position in the global industrial hemp value chain. With a focus on technology, networking and strategic partnerships, the workshop promises to shape the future of the sector in the country and attract international attention to its sustainable potential.
Main speakers at the event:
- Fei-Hu Liu (Leader of Industrial Hemp Cultivation Program, Yunnan University, China)
- Hitoshi Sato (President of the Japan Hemp Industry Association, Showa University, Japan)
- Larry Smart (Hemp Genetics Specialist, Cornell University, USA)
- Kai Lei Tang (Researcher in Agronomy, Yunnan University, China)
- Patrick Atagi (President/CEO of the National Industrial Hemp Council, USA)
- Takaki okamura (Director/CTO of Hemp Innovation LLC, Japan)
- Morris Beegle (President of WAFBA LLC, USA)
- Ben Dronkers (Founder of HempFlax BV, Netherlands)
- Rachele Invernizzi (Representative of the Federation of International Hemp Organizations, Italy)
- Paul Benhaim (President of Hemp Plastic Company, USA)
- Brandon Boyd (Director of Government Relations, Letslock, USA)
- Anar Arthur (CEO of Hemp Mongolia, Mongolia)
- John Mohammad (President of Hemptech Industrial Association, Malaysia)
- Shailesh Ganeriwala (CEO of OG Hemp, India)
- Clyde Carpenter (Director of the New York Fashion Innovation Center, USA)
- Sharon Deidre Leyson (Vice President of Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association, Thailand)
- Clifton Ray Kaderli (President of the US Hemp Building Association, USA)
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[Disclaimer: Please note that this text was originally written in Portuguese and is translated into English and other languages using an automatic translator. Some words may differ from the original and typos or errors may occur in other languages.]____________________________________________________________________________________________________
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With a degree in Journalism from the University of Coimbra, Laura Ramos has a postgraduate degree in Photography and has been a Journalist since 1998. Winner of the Business of Cannabis Awards in the category "Journalist of the Year 2024", Laura was a correspondent for Jornal de Notícias in Rome, Italy, and Press Officer in the Office of the Minister of Education of the 21st Portuguese Government. She has an international certification in Permaculture (PDC) and created the street-art photography archive “Say What? Lisbon” @saywhatlisbon. Co-founder and Editor of CannaReporter® and coordinator of PTMC - Portugal Medical Cannabis, Laura directed the documentary “Pacientes” and was part of the steering group of the first Postgraduate Course in GxP's for Medicinal Cannabis in Portugal, in partnership with the Military Laboratory and the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon.
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