Himachal Pradesh Launches ‘Green to Gold’ Intiative to Build Industrial Hemp Economy
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government has launched the “Green to Gold” initiative to promote industrial hemp cultivation in India and build a sustainable hemp-based economy in the state.
Announced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the policy aims to support legal and regulated hemp farming with strict THC limits of below 0.3%, ensuring the crop remains non-intoxicating. The state cabinet approved the initiative earlier this year, and pilot projects for controlled hemp cultivation are expected to begin soon.
The program focuses on developing hemp-based industries such as hemp textiles, Ayurvedic medicines, biofuels, hempcrete construction, and eco-friendly packaging. Hemp is also being promoted as a climate-resilient crop that requires significantly less water and can grow in marginal soil conditions.
Research for the project is being conducted by CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University (Palampur) and Dr. Y.S. Parmar University (Nauni) to develop high-yield, low-THC hemp varieties suited for Himalayan regions.
According to government estimates, regulated hemp farming could generate ₹1000–2000 crore annually, positioning Himachal Pradesh as a potential hemp industry hub in India.
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