The History of Hemp Cultivation in India

Nearly all historians agree, that cannabis is native to Central Asia and the Indian continent, especially in the Himalayan mountains which spread across Kashmir, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Hemp has been used by humans for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence of hemp use has been discovered in China, Taiwan, and Japan, dating back to 8000 BC. Hemp was utilized in China as far back as 1000 BC to make clothes, shoes, ropes, and perhaps even paper.

Hemp and Indian agriculture have a long history together.

In fact, the Vedas, which are thought to be at least 3400 years old, name Hemp as one of the five most sacred plants.

Hemp farming in India, with its deep historical roots, is experiencing a revival in various regions across the country. Traditionally, hemp was widely cultivated in the Himalayan foothills, particularly in villages of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, where it was used for its fiber, seeds, and medicinal properties. Regions like Kullu, Manali, and Garhwal have long-standing connections with hemp, leveraging its hardy nature suited to their hilly terrains.

In ancient India, hemp was used to make rope, sails, and clothing. It was also used as a medicinal herb and was believed to possess mystical powers. In Indian agriculture, hemp cultivation declined during the British colonial period, but it has experienced a renaissance in recent years. However, global shifts in policies and the rise of synthetic alternatives in the 20th century led to a decline in hemp cultivation. The introduction of strict drug control laws further impacted its farming, often blurring the line between industrial hemp and psychoactive cannabis varieties.

Many farmers in traditional hemp-growing areas, swayed by the promises of higher yields and profits, shifted to other cash crops. This transition was often at the expense of their lands’ long-term health, as alternative crops demanded more resources such as water and pesticides.

In recent years, in Indian agriculture sector, there’s been a resurgence of interest in hemp cultivation, driven by environmental concerns and a growing market for sustainable products. In 2016, the Indian government legalized the cultivation of hemp for industrial purposes (laws of different states might differ). Today, hemp is used to make a variety of products, including paper, fabric, and biofuel. And as more countries move to legalize cannabis for both recreational and medicinal use, it is likely that hemp will play an increasingly important role in the global economy.

Supply and Demand

Indian farmers have long been interested in growing hemp, but the plant has been subject to strict government regulations in India. These regulations surrounding hemp cultivation in India, have made it difficult for farmers to turn a profit, causing many to abandon hemp farming altogether. This has led to a decrease in demand for hemp, which has put upward pressure on prices. However, the government is slowly liberalizing the restrictions on hemp production, and this is likely to increase demand for the crop in the future. This could provide a helpful income boost to subsistence farmers in India.

As the restrictions become less stringent, people are attempting to discover methods to grow hemp. We’ll go through the three distinct types of cultivation: indoor, greenhouse, and outdoor in this section.

Introduction to Indoor, Outdoor, and Greenhouse-Grown Hemp

Hemp is more adaptable than most people believe, and it’s not very difficult to cultivate. Although hemp can be grown outdoors, most growers prefer an indoor grow room because they have more control over the environment and typically produce a greater and controlled yield. As per Drugs and Cosmetics Act: Legal hemp must contain no more than 0.3 percent THC.

Current cultivation challenges are:

• to find a seed with < 0.3% THC
• to grow and produce final yield with < 0.3% THC

Hey, did you know? Even though we start with seeds having less than 0.3% THC up in the Himalayas, the soil’s so rich that we end up with a much higher THC level in the final yield!

“The ultimate solution is to push for government policies that legalize the cultivation of indigenous plants and native seeds.”

Indoors, Outdoors, and Greenhouse (Light-deprived) are the three most common approaches to growing Hemp. Each has its benefits and drawbacks. Let’s have a closer look at them.

Indoor Hemp Cultivation

When you grow Hemp indoors, you have the advantage of being able to carefully regulate the temperature, humidity, and light. This creates an environment that is ideal for growing hemp plants. Indoor cultivation offers several advantages, including year-round production, better pest control, and a more stable environment. You can use various growing medium such as Coco Peat, Coir, Water, Rockwool, etc.

However, it also comes with some challenges, such as high initial investment costs and the need for specialized knowledge and equipment. For those who are willing to invest, indoor hemp cultivation can be a highly rewarding experience.

Outdoor Hemp Cultivation

Outside growing is often the most cost-effective method of growing hemp, requiring little to no equipment. If you want to grow Hemp outdoors, the best location is one with high-quality soil that drains well and gets plenty of sunlight.

When compared to indoor grow lights, the sun emits a wider spectrum of light, which helps hemp plants to produce a greater variety of cannabinoids and terpenes. However, keep in mind that because outdoor cultivation is subject to the vagaries of nature, you must be ready for anything. Pest and disease control is also more difficult to control in an outdoor setting.

Greenhouse Hemp Cultivation

Greenhouses offer growers a middle ground between indoor and outdoor growing. Greenhouses provide many of the same advantages as indoor gardening, with the added bonus of utilizing natural sunlight.

One of the main benefits of greenhouse cultivation is that it can be done year-round. This means that growers can get multiple harvests per year, which can significantly increase profits. Greenhouses also offer greater control over the growing environment, allowing for better pest and disease control.

The great thing about greenhouse Hemp farming is that cultivators can use natural soil instead of the coco peat and husk typically used in indoor cultivation. Hemp grown in natural soil has many benefits, like being packed with nutrients and having a stronger immune system that makes it less likely to fall prey to pests or diseases.

However, greenhouse cultivation also has some drawbacks. The initial investment is often higher than for outdoor cultivation, and operational costs can also be quite high. Additionally, greenhouse hemp cultivation requires specialized knowledge and equipment. As a result, it is not always the best option for small-scale growers.

Whatever strategy you choose, be sure to do your research first specifically in Indian agriculture sector. Hemp farming might be a positive experience, but it’s critical to fully comprehend the benefits and drawbacks of each technique before making a decision.

Now the next thing that would spring to your mind is what are the requirements for growing hemp legally. Let’s explore that in the next section.

Licensing Procedure for Hemp Farming

While the specifics change from state to state, there are some commonalities in the process of getting a hemp-growing license.

In order to obtain a license for hemp cultivation in India, applicants must first register with the appropriate state authority. They will then be assigned a username and code, which they will use to log in and complete the application process. The application will require specific details about the organization or firm, as well as the type of permit being applied for (cultivation, retail or export). Once the application is submitted, it will be forwarded to the approved authority for review. If all required documentation is in order, the authority will issue a permit.

The applicant will then be required to pay the associated fees and finally reach the Senior Inspector/Inspector of Drug Control. The Senior Inspector of Drug Control will investigate the structure and review the unit.

Within a set timeframe, the result of the investigation will be given to the applicant. If everything is satisfactory, a license will be issued. otherwise, the applicant will need to make the necessary changes and reapply.

Also please make sure to have the following information ready before applying.

● Your name and contact information
● Specific land location of your proposed hemp farm
● The amount of land you intend to cultivate
● The type of hemp you intend to grow
● Your proposed methods of cultivation
● Your experience in hemp cultivation
● Police verification of an individual

Link for Uttarakhand License Forms

Click here to know clarification on sale hemp seeds and seed products by FSSAI

Final Thoughts

Hemp cultivation is a complex and regulated process. However, it can be a rewarding experience, both financially and personally. If you are interested in growing hemp in India, we encourage you to do your research and consult with experts before getting started. One should also have an overview of an Indian agriculture practices and results.

Click here to have an insight on Indian Hemp Farming politics.

“Do you have any experience with hemp cultivation?” or “Have you applied for a license to grow hemp in India?”

Tell us about your experiences in the comments.