Himachal Pradesh has launched regulated industrial hemp cultivation under the ‘Green to Gold’ initiative to boost the rural economy and sustainable development.
The initiative aims for a self-reliant Himachal Pradesh by 2027 and positioning the state as a leader in India’s bio-economy.
Hemp cultivation is strictly regulated, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content capped at 0.3%, making it non-intoxicating and unsuitable for drug misuse.
Hemp applications include textiles, bioplastics, medicine, cosmetics, biofuel, and hempcrete, a low-carbon, eco-friendly construction material.
Hemp is climate-resilient, requires 50% less water than cotton, and grows well in marginal and degraded soils, making it ideal for Himachal’s hill regions.
The initiative is expected to generate ₹1000–2000 crore annually, create livelihoods for farmers, startups, and rural youth, and reduce dependence on imports.