Second day of International workshop and exhibition on Industrial Hemp Value Chain

FAISALABAD Jan 16: Industrial hemp must be introduced as cash crop in the country to rescue the textile industry and to tap its potential with an estimated $4 billion annual economic opportunity for a greener and better future. It was stated by experts while addressing the second day of international stakeholder workshop and exhibition on Industrial Hemp Value Chain at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. The workshop will conclude on Jan 17. Addressing the participants, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Sarwar Khan said that the country was relying five major crops out of which cotton and sugarcane are cash crops. He added that in future, the area of the cotton would shift to Balochistan. He said that hemps should be initiated as the third cash crop that is more eco-friendly. He said that Industrial hemp has the potential to minimize the amount of carbon impact on the environment and also help in the economic uplift. Industrial and Medical Hemp Foundation Director Dr Omar Altan Siddique said that hemp textiles use 70 percent less water than cotton, making it an eco-friendly alternative. He said that With 500,000 acres under cultivation, hemp can absorb five million tons of CO2 per harvest. Requiring only one-third the water needed for cotton, hemp is a lifeline for water-scarce regions. Hemp improves soil structure, reduces erosion, and revitalizes farmland for long-term productivity Chairman Textile Engineering Dr Asad Farooq said that hemp offers a sustainable pathway to prosperity, addressing critical challenges in agriculture, and textile industry. He said that the development of hemp as a key industry requires strategic and incremental supply chain planning. They have developed prototypes (fabric, knitwear) in collaboration with industry. Chairman Agronomy Dr Nadeem Akbar said that the hemp industry can create significant economic and rural empowerment, unlocking opportunities for farmers, processors, and innovators across the supply chain. By engaging local communities, Pakistan can raise inclusive growth. Dr Saddam Hussain from UAF said that they selected the non toxic hemp material and optimized the hemp agronomy. Dr Nayyab Khan and other notable from industry spoke on the occasion.