Why in the News?
- The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh has initiated a policy push to legalise and regulate industrial hemp cultivation.
What is Industrial Hemp
- Scientific name: Cannabis sativa L.
- Belongs to the Cannabis genus and Cannabaceae family
- Herbaceous, dioecious plant
- Botanically related to marijuana but very different in use and effects
- THC content less than 0.3%
- High fiber content and negligible psychoactive effect
Industrial Hemp vs Marijuana
- Marijuana: High tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and psychoactive
- Industrial hemp: Extremely low THC, used for industrial and commercial purposes
Key Characteristics
- Fast growing crop
- Environment friendly
- Requires relatively less water and pesticides
- Suitable for diversified agro industrial value chains
Applications of Industrial Hemp
- Fibre and textiles: Cloth, upholstery, ropes
- Industrial uses: Auto parts, paper, packaging
- Energy: Biofuel production from stalk
- Construction: Building materials like hempcrete
- Seeds and oil: Food products and animal feed. Oil for cosmetics, lotions and personal care products
Policy Significance
- Opens avenues for farmer income diversification
- Boosts green economy and sustainable industries
- Potential for employment generation in hill states
Prelims Takeaway
- Industrial hemp is legally distinct from narcotic cannabis due to very low THC
- Multi sector utility crop with applications in textiles, construction, energy, food and cosmetics
| According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels? (2020)
1. Cassava 2. Damaged wheat grains 3. Groundnut seeds 4. Horse gram 5. Rotten potatoes 6. Sugar beet Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only (b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only (c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 |
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