Pakistan to join 1st global hemp workshop to foster sustainable agriculture

January 15, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan is set to participate in the first international stakeholder workshop and exhibition on the 'Industrial Hemp Value Chain,' aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices and fostering economic development.

This three-day workshop, hosted by the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) in collaboration with the Industrial & Medicinal Hemp Foundation of Pakistan (IMHF), begins on January 15, according to a press release issued.

As the world continues to recognize the significance of hemp as a versatile and sustainable resource, the workshop will be a step forward in shaping its future in Pakistan.

The workshop aims to bring together global experts, policymakers and industry to discuss the development, challenges, and opportunities in the industrial hemp value chain.

Over the past four years, both the UAF and IMHF have made significant strides in establishing comprehensive value chains for the textile, food, and bio-composites industries, particularly through collaboration with international partners.

Cultivation of industrial hemp offers numerous environmental benefits by encouraging land and water stewardship and regenerative agriculture practices.

The recent approval of the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Act 2024 (CCRA) positions Pakistan to capitalize on this high-value crop.

This development is expected to foster industry growth and create new job opportunities across various sectors.

CCRA has been established to regulate the cultivation of the cannabis plant, extraction, refining, manufacturing, and sale of derivatives of the plant for medicinal and industrial use in various sectors.

The versatility of industrial hemp allows it to meet diverse market demands, ranging from textiles and food to paper, plastics, packaging, construction, and biofuels.

The remarkable carbon sequestration abilities of industrial hemp will also allow Pakistan to participate in the global voluntary carbon credit market.

All stakeholders are encouraged to participate in this important workshop, which represents a step forward in harnessing the potential of industrial hemp for the benefit of the economy and environment

The workshop will include eminent experts from China, the US, Japan, Mongolia, Malaysia, India, Thailand, and Italy.

UAF Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sarwar Khan has constituted a committee for the foolproof arrangement of the workshop in which Dr. Saddam Hussain is the chief organizer and Dr. Assad Farooq is the co-organizer.

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