Himachal Pradesh has unveiled a new policy to promote regulated industrial hemp cultivation, positioning the fibre as a key raw material for sustainable textiles and allied products as part of the state’s broader economic development strategy.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has launched the ‘Green to Gold’ initiative with the objective of transforming hemp into a commercially viable, climate-resilient crop that can support downstream textile manufacturing and value addition. The policy aligns with the state government’s goal of making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant by 2027.
Following cabinet approval on 24th January, a pilot project for controlled hemp cultivation is set to begin. The policy legalises and regulates industrial hemp farming, with strict controls to ensure tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels remain below 0.3%, thereby keeping the crop non-intoxicating and suitable solely for industrial use.
Hemp, which has historically grown wild in districts such as Kullu, Mandi and Chamba, has long been associated with illicit use. The state government has now identified it as a high-potential industrial crop, particularly for textiles, given its strength, durability and suitability for eco-friendly fabrics. Officials have also highlighted its advantages over conventional crops, including significantly lower water requirements and the ability to grow in marginal soils.
According to state government estimates, regulated hemp cultivation could generate annual revenues of Rs. 1,000–2,000 crore (US $ 111 million to US $ 222 million) once scaled up, creating a formal supply chain that supports farmers while reducing reliance on unregulated markets. Agricultural universities in Palampur and Nauni in Solan district are already developing high-yield, low-THC seed varieties tailored to Himalayan agro-climatic conditions.
Under a broader ‘Hemp Hub’ vision, Himachal Pradesh aims to establish itself as a manufacturing base for hemp-based products, with specialised textiles identified as a priority segment. The government has emphasised that the initiative is focused on industrial development and sustainability, ensuring that the state’s natural resources translate into long-term economic benefits for local communities and the public exchequer.
