Why Hemp?
This is a question that is so 2008 now! The emotion today isn’t why hemp, it’s why not? Hemp is a plant that can single-handedly change the way we live our lives, and help heal our planet before it’s too late. The only plant that can give us roti, kapda, makaan and much much more. Did you know that Hemp was the first plant that humans cultivated? We now know hemp to have over 25000 uses. Yes, hemp is the reason human beings started agriculture. It’s the real OG. But don’t take our word for it, here’s a few stats and some facts for you
Great for our planet
Hemp is Mother Earth’s best friend. Hemp uses 5 times as lesser water than cotton to grow the same amount of cloth and produces 4 times as much oxygen as trees. Hemp exhibits a unique trait called phyto-remediation which means that it literally sucks toxins out from the soil and leaves behind a much more nourished soilbed than before it was planted. Hempcrete acts like a natural air-purifier and consumes carbon from the atmosphere, all the while adding strength to itself. Hemp also requires little to no pesticide to grow and can grow in even arid lands, thus helping against desertification of lands. It is also a source of biomass, bio-fuel, even bio-plastics.
The 0 wastage plant
Hemp is one of the only plants known to humans that produces no waste. Every single part of the plant can be used for something. The roots, leaves and flowers have medicinal properties, the stalks can be used to make pulp or fiber, the seeds can be used as food. Always an overachiever, this plant.
Superfood? More like supernatural food
Hemp seeds are incredibly nutrient-dense and contain significantly higher protein and Omega acids than any other food source. More than 25% of hemp seeds’ total calories are from high-quality protein. That is considerably more than similar foods like chia seeds and flaxseeds, whose calories are 16–18% protein, making it the single best protein food source for the growing vegan population. As a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6), hemp seeds contain 62% more than flax seeds, 96% more than chia seeds and 104% more than fish oil.
Nourishment, nourishment, nourishment
Due to the high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, hemp is great for your skin as well. Studies have shown that giving hemp seed oil to people with eczema may improve blood levels of essential fatty acids. The oil may also relieve dry skin, improve itchiness and reduce the need for skin medication. Hemp seed oil is also used as a great plant-based moisturiser and is very effective against skin conditions like psoriasis.
Stronger, more durable products
Industrial hemp products are the most durable products known to humankind. The Ellora caves in Maharashtra, India, were made from hemp concrete and have maintained their strangth even after 1500 years. Hemp is a more dense fabric than cotton and lasts significantly longer. Products made from hemp are 10 times stronger than steel and hemp is now being used in Kevlar vests for the military. Truly, a bulletproof plant.
More money for the farmers
Most importantly, hemp is extremely beneficial to the farmers. Hemp has a really short crop cycle which means a farmer can grow multiple cycles in a year. Hemp requires minimal oversight, significantly reducing labour costs. Hemp is also a highly efficient crop and produces more material per acre than any other crop. All these reasons make hemp a highly lucrative agro option for our farmers.