Hemp
Hemp fabric, a form of textile, is crafted from fibres found within the stalks of the Cannabis sativa plant. This plant has an extensive history of providing remarkably strong and resilient textile fibres, spanning countless years. However, the recent association of Cannabis sativa with psychoactive properties has posed challenges to farmers seeking to cultivate this highly advantageous crop.
Across millennia, Cannabis sativa has been selectively cultivated for two distinct objectives. On one hand, numerous generations of cultivators have intentionally bred the plant to possess elevated levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other psychoactive cannabinoids, resulting in its psychoactive qualities. Conversely, other cultivators have consistently refined Cannabis sativa to yield more robust and superior fibres, deliberately minimising the production of psychoactive cannabinoids in their crops.
History of Hemp
One of humanity's earliest cultivated plants, with origins tracing back to the Neolithic era in China, is hemp. Throughout the ancient civilizations of India, China, and Egypt, hemp found diverse applications, serving as a source of sustenance, fibres, and medicinal properties. European adventurers utilised hemp to craft sails and ropes, while artists such as Rembrandt and Van Gogh adorned hemp canvases with their masterpieces. Remarkably, even the drafting of the American Declaration of Independence was carried out on hemp paper. Nonetheless, the onset of the industrial revolution saw the rise of the mechanical cotton gin, which led to a significant decline in hemp production, albeit at the cost of environmental considerations.
Hemp in India
Back in the 1920s, hemp achieved the distinction of being recognized as the first billion-dollar crop, attributed to its seeds as a source of food and fibres for clothing. Fast forward to the 2020s, a full century later, and the potential that this plant holds now surpasses even our wildest imaginings. Moreover, the practice of cultivating hemp brings about numerous advantages within the realm of agriculture.
In 1930, the British implemented a ban on cannabis, citing unscientifically attributed negative effects, as a means to introduce alcohol to India, despite its addictive nature. Prior to this, the consumption of Bhang was permitted. Regrettably, even after 72 years of independence, India continues to adhere to the British stance on cannabis, conveniently sidelining its prominent role in Ayurveda. The vestiges of colonial thinking persist, perpetuating the unfounded belief that cannabis is a hazardous substance. This fallacy has led India to relinquish its position in the immensely valuable and ecologically friendly hemp market, ceding ground to other nations.
One pivotal factor contributing to this situation is the prohibition of widespread hemp cultivation in India. Despite a centuries-old history of hemp cultivation in the country, legal and regulatory constraints have confined its growth to specific states. Often confused with marijuana, hemp is a distinct strain of the same plant species, Cannabis sativa, containing minimal amounts of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. This limited supply of hemp in India has necessitated the majority of hemp-related enterprises to import materials such as hemp yarns, fabrics, or extracts from countries like China, Italy, and the US. Consequently, production costs rise due to the importation of raw materials.
The absence of appropriate processing infrastructure further contributes to the elevated pricing of hemp products. Converting hemp into functional fibres, yarns, and fabrics demands specialised machinery and expertise. However, the dearth of processing facilities in India translates to increased expenses throughout the production and distribution chain.
Additionally, the cost of hemp products is amplified by the necessity for certifications and adherence to international standards. For instance, hemp-based items must meet stringent criteria for THC levels and other quality benchmarks to qualify for export to regions such as the EU or the US. This entails additional testing and certification procedures, thereby inflating production costs.
