hemp is also known as Industrial Hemp and is cultivated for its fiber or edible seeds.

This plant is a summer annual plant, native to Central Asia.

Major Hemp producing countries in the world are China, France, Chile, South Korea and Netherlands.

In India Hemp is cultivated only in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

In India as per government regulations Hemp can be processed for fibers only.

The extraction and processing of oil from seeds, buds, leaves is still considered illegal.

• Kingdom:  Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Urticales
• Family: Cannabaceae
• Genus: Cannabis
• Species: sativa

Fiber and Stalks are the most economically important parts of Hemp cultivation

Hemp prefers a mild climate, humid atmosphere, and a rainfall of at least 25-30 inches per year. 

Industrial hemp can be grown on a wide variety of soil types.

Hemp prefers a sufficiently deep, well-aerated soil with a pH of 6 or greater, along with good moisture and nutrient holding capacity. 

Poorly drained soils, however, are not recommended as excess surface water after heavy rains can result in damage to the hemp crop. 

Hemp is extremely sensitive to flooding and soil compaction

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes:
  
  • Major Pests: Garden Snail, Brown Field Slug, Orange-soled Slug, Budworm and Caterpillars. 
    
  • Major Diseases: Bacterial Blight, Crown Gall, Anthracnose, Damping off and Charcoal rot.
• Abiotic Causes:
  • Curled tips
  • Chlorosis
  • Stunted growth
  • Small or Distorted leaves