Overview
- All cultivation is limited to industrial hemp with THC below 0.3% to keep the crop non‑intoxicating.
- Officials project Rs 1,000–2,000 crore in annual revenue after scaling, with new opportunities for farmers and youth.
- A cabinet‑cleared pilot from January 24, 2025 moves ahead alongside university trials to develop low‑THC, high‑yield seed varieties for Himalayan conditions.
- The plan envisions a Hemp Hub supplying pharmaceuticals, textiles, paper and packaging, cosmetics, biofuels and low‑carbon building materials such as hempcrete.
- The government says regulated hemp will curb illicit drug networks and give farmers a climate‑efficient alternative where wildlife damage and water stress have hurt traditional crops.