Himachal Pradesh in India has announced a new policy to encourage regulated cultivation of industrial hemp, placing the fiber at the center of its plans for sustainable textiles and related products. The move is part of the state’s wider strategy to support economic growth and environmentally responsible industries.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has launched the initiative titled ‘Green to Gold’, which aims to develop hemp into a commercially viable and climate-resilient crop. The program is designed to support textile manufacturing and value-added industries, while aligning with the state government’s goal of making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant by 2027.

Hemp has traditionally grown naturally in districts such as Kullu, Mandi and Chamba, but has often been linked to illegal use. The government has now identified hemp as a crop with strong industrial potential, especially for textile applications, due to its strength, long life and suitability for sustainable fabrics. Officials have also pointed out that hemp needs much less water than many conventional crops and can grow well on poor-quality land.

As part of a wider ‘Hemp Hub’ plan, Himachal Pradesh aims to become a center for manufacturing hemp-based products, with specialised textiles identified as a key focus area. The government has stressed that the initiative is driven by industrial growth and sustainability, with the aim of turning natural resources into long-term economic benefits for local communities and state revenues.