Committee tables report in Vidhan Sabha: Recommends for cultivation of hemp for industrial and medicinal purposes
Shimla, Sept 22
In a historic move, the Sukhu government in Himachal Pradesh seems to be paving the way for the legal cultivation of hemp for industrial and medicinal purposes. A committee, chaired by Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi and comprising members from both Congress and BJP parties, presented its report in the Assembly on Friday, recommending the legalization of hemp cultivation in the state.
Speaking in the Assembly, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi highlighted the region’s ideal climate and geographical conditions for hemp cultivation. Currently, wild hemp plants are found in nearly every district of the state and are often destroyed by law enforcement agencies due to their association with drug trafficking. The committee’s report suggests that legalizing hemp cultivation can harness this untapped potential and provide non-narcotic opportunities for farmers.
Negi emphasized the environmental benefits of industrial hemp cultivation, noting its potential to reduce carbon impact and its ability to thrive with minimal chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Hemp is a versatile plant, with its stalks, seeds, and leaves being used in the production of construction materials, clothing, paper, food, furniture, cosmetics, health care products, and biofuels. Encouraging industries related to hemp production could also bolster the state’s revenue resources.
Negi proposed that the Excise Department could oversee licensing and enforcement for legal hemp cultivation. The committee conducted extensive visits to various districts and consulted with representatives of Panchayati Raj institutions. Most of these representatives expressed support for industrial and medicinal hemp cultivation, believing it would not only boost farmers’ income but also create additional sources of revenue for the state while promoting self-employment.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu announced that the committee would embark on a foreign tour to study best practices in industrial hemp cultivation, citing the success of other countries where hemp is a major income source. He acknowledged that the tour had been delayed due to recent disasters but mentioned that the committee had already visited states like Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Madhya Pradesh to gather insights.
Himachal Pradesh’s decision to move forward with legal hemp cultivation is expected to have far-reaching economic and environmental implications, positioning the state as a pioneer in this burgeoning industry.
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