Abstract:
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) one of the oldest domesticated crops known to humankind, stands today at the crossroads of controversy and opportunity. Historically cultivated for its multifaceted uses ranging from food, fiber, and medicine to paper and rope, this remarkable plant is native to Central and South Asia, including the tribal belts of Pakistan, Xinjiang, and parts of Mongolia and Siberia. With over 50,000 reported industrial, nutritional, medicinal, and environmental applications, hemp has emerged as a strategic crop that aligns remarkably well with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing simultaneously to People, Planet, and Profits. Despite its association with psychoactive compounds in cannabis, industrial hemp varieties possess minimal levels of THC, making them non-psychoactive and highly suitable for regulated cultivation. Globally legalized in over 50 countries, hemp supports sectors such as nutraceuticals, bio-construction, textiles, green energy, and phytoremediation. This presentation highlights pioneering research undertaken at the Institute of Hydroponic Agriculture, Rawat (PMAS-AAUR) using four native hemp germplasm accessions. The initiative marks a significant step toward exploring Pakistan’s potential in hemp-based green economy, rural uplift, and climate resilience. The study contextualizes hemp’s role not only as a botanical treasure but as a powerful economic driver, especially in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. By removing stigma, developing science-based policy, and fostering public-private partnerships, hemp can be a cornerstone of sustainable development in Pakistan. This discourse repositions hemp from the margins of controversy to the center of innovation turning a perceived menace into a national blessing.
Page(s):
4-4
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: 4th International Conference of Sciences “Revamped Scientific Outlook of 21st Century, 2025” , November 12,2025, Volume: 1, Issue: 1, Year: 2025