Barren Land in Uttarakhand and Industrial Hemp

Hemp, also known as Cannabis Sativa, has a long and diverse history that spans centuries due to its versatility and sustainability. Despite the common association with marijuana, hemp is poised to make a comeback as a significant player in the search for eco-friendly industrial solutions and sustainable agricultural practices. Especially in Uttarakhand, India, it presents a promising solution for barren lands due to its adaptability and environmental benefits. This article delves into the situation of barren lands in Uttarakhand, the environmental advantages of hemp, its potential as a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, and its wide range of products.

Ghost Villages - Outmigration Catastrophe in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand - Mountains sans Mountain People

The mountain districts of Uttarakhand are witnessing a decrease in agricultural activities due to factors such as migration, lack of irrigation, human-wildlife conflicts, complex geographical conditions, and frequent natural disasters. A report from the Scroll has reported that as per 2011 Census, there were 1,048 ghost villages – that is, villages with no population – in Uttarakhand. Since then, this number is estimated to have reached close to 2,000.

As per Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) report, In 2013-14, the net sown area in the state was 77,600 hectares (14.5% of the total). The gross cropped area reached 1.36 lakh hectares, with a cropping intensity of 0.64 percent. Land distribution in Uttarakhand is characterized by scattered, fragmented, and inequitable patterns. The majority of individual holdings are very small, with over 70 percent classified as marginal (up to 1.00 hectare). The average landholding size in Uttarakhand stands at just 0.93 hectares, lower than the national average of 1.3 hectares. The state has a total of 890,667 holdings across all categories, with marginal and small holdings comprising 88.3 percent. Despite this, these holdings collectively manage only 463,236 hectares out of the total operated land of 843,451 hectares.

The underutilization of farmland in Uttarakhand is mainly due to high rates of migration. The state government is looking into new agricultural options, such as promoting 'Industrial Hemp' cultivation, to discourage migration and boost rural incomes. Tailored irrigation strategies are needed to maximize crop yields in saline conditions. The decision to promote hemp cultivation in Uttarakhand is well-founded due to several reasons. Hemp is a natural vegetation of the region, thriving in the conducive soil and climate. It helps in restoring the area's natural ecosystem and revitalizing the soil, making it suitable for other crops. Hemp is resilient to soil degradation and offers diverse applications, paving the way for the development of hemp-based agro-industries and transforming Uttarakhand's economy.

Hemp - A Sustainable Solution: Why?

Barren Land and Hemp

• Carbon sequestration: Hemp absorbs carbon dioxide, serving as an effective carbon sink, capable of absorbing 15 tons of CO2 per hectare.

• Soil regeneration: Hemp's deep roots improve soil structure, prevent erosion, and retain water, thriving in alkali and saline soil.

• Reduced pesticide usage: Hemp's natural resistance reduces the need for chemical pesticides, minimizing environmental impact.

• Decreased water pollution: Hemp's pest resistance prevents harmful chemicals from entering water bodies, averting pollution.

State Support to Industrial Hemp

Given the favorable climate in the state, the Government of Uttarakhand has decided to promote the cultivation of 'Industrial Hemp' in all 13 districts by invoking Section 14 of the NDPS Act, 1985.

1. Initiatives by the State Government: The state government directed the Excise Commissioner on 05 Dec 2016 to cultivate Industrial Hemp within the 0.3 THC limit. They authorized the Centre for Aromatic Plants in Selaqui, Dehradun, and the National Botanical Research Institute in Lucknow as testing labs for THC concentration analysis. A letter on 18 April 2018 addressed medical and scientific use of cannabis plants by R&D institutions. The Centre for Aromatic Plants, Selaqui, Dehradun, was designated as the nodal agency for Industrial Hemp cultivation on 30 Dec 2019.

2. License Application Approval/Denial: The District Magistrate decides on license applications, ensuring compliance with statutory and policy requirements. They may consult the District Excise inspector.

Hemp is a versatile crop used in 25,000 products across nine submarkets, including food oils, bio-products, and superfoods. Its stems are used for biomass, and it requires minimal inputs and can adapt to different climates, making it an eco-friendly choice. The Himalayan region is renowned for the abundant growth of the Hemp plant, traditionally utilized by local communities in Uttarakhand for fibers and seeds. With state support, and local entrepreneurs' zeal, hemp may just be part of a holistic solution to the problem of outmigration.