Govt to permit commercial cultivation of hemp

ISLAMABAD: The federal government is looking to tap into the global market of hemp.

To facilitate this measure, authorities concerned have decided to permit commercial cultivation of hemp from next year. This was revealed by PCSIR officials during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology.

Hemp cultivation in Pakistan currently stands at $5 billion but the country can reach up to $7 billion through exports if done properly, officials said, adding that the government has approved a Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (CCRA) to regulate the industry.

The global market for hemp is vast, with over 50 countries using it in the pharmaceutical industry. Pakistan has already started cultivating hemp on a two-acre area at the Barani Agricultural University. Research and development projects have produced various products from hemp.

The CCRA will issue licenses for commercial cultivation, with the Defense Secretary as its chairman. Members will include secretaries from relevant ministries, chief secretaries of provinces, and representatives from IB, ANF, and DRAP. The authority will ensure regulated cultivation and processing of hemp, aiming to capitalize on the lucrative global market.