Scientifically known as Cannabis Sativa, the hemp is also called the organic fabric or environment friendly textile. Hemp is not just a style or fashion statement but it’s a concept of being natural and environmentally friendly. The fabric is popular among its users for comfort and style. It is one of the most environment friendly plants that actually improve the soil quality where it grows and is also resistant to insects and pests. Hemp fabric is highly durable, nature friendly, unique as well as stylish and also refers as biodegradable. People have been cultivating hemp in different parts of the world and civilization as part of their culture and tradition. Highlighting the trend, hemp is one of the largest and strongest plant fiber which is way stronger than cotton. Its unique quality of abrasion and rot resistance makes it more stable and consistent fabric in the textile industry. Moreover, its wrinkle-free quality makes it different and unique among other fabrics. The most common practice and uses of hemp product includes bags, hats, jewelry rings, bracelets, hand bands and necklace, coin purses, documents bags, etc.
Looking back at history Hemp dates back to more than 8000 B.C. when it was first woven into fabric from then the importance and popularity of hemp has grown tremendously. Passing by the centauries over 80 % of the market was occupied by its use. Especially in the Middle East, Asia, India, China, Japan, and Africa where civilization thrived, Hemp caught its popularity. It enriched the culture in its use as it stood not just as a textile but as a tradition and culture. Still today in old civilization hemp is considered as an essential part of their civilization. Traditionally farmers grew hemp for the fiber for ropes and cloth, since it grows the longest and strongest natural fibers. They also grew hemp for the seeds for their food and animal feed and to crush for edible, lamp and finishing oils but today things have changed. Though a negative aspect of it being listed as illegal drugs has certainly questioned its image but to its brighter side it has many things to offer.
The hemp plant grows to heights of 15-20 foot and the fiber, when stripped from the plant, is as long as the plant itself, giving hemp added strength when woven into textile. From the plant, bast fibers can be used in 100% hemp products, but are commonly blended with other organic fibers such as flax, cotton or silk, for apparel and furnishings. Similarly, Hemp seeds can be eaten raw, ground into a meal, sprouted, made into hemp milk. Hemp protein contains all 21 known amino acids, including the 9 essential ones adult bodies cannot produce like linoleic acid, omega-6, alpha-linolenic acid, omega-3, in addition to gamma-linolenic acid, and stearidonic acid.
Nepali people have used it for all its purposes historically. For centuries, villagers have extracted fibers from both hemp plants to weave mats, sacks, bags, fishing nets, ropes, and carry straps. Communities that are days away from roads, have learned to rely on themselves to provide textiles, rather than relying on deliveries from outside. The Hemp plant was made illegal in Nepal in mid 70’s with the high rise it being used as drugs.
Prakash Shrestha, dealer of hemp product said, “Hemp is one of the most unique and friend textile. Currently most of the hemp products are used by foreigners but there are few dedicated Nepali clients. Once you are addicted in wearing hemp products you cannot move yourself as it has a definite style and feel. Though being labeled illegal in Nepal, Hemp plant has more prospect than any other cash crop. There is not wastage to it. From the seeds to the leaves and body everything can be used. I think the government should seriously think about giving existence to this plant. Especially for us currently we are importing hemp fabric from outside which is very expensive if the government initiates an effective program then it can certainly be a good revenue generation industry. ”
Reality of today hemp goods dealers and exporters are found all around Kathmandu Valley, very few are using locally grown and processed hemp for their natural fiber clothes. The fact that hemp harvested and processed locally, is too rough for wearing against the skin, entrepreneurs must import finely processed hemp fiber and material from China.
Hemp today stands as a symbol of a new age revolution where its productivity and uses challenges its limitation. With limited approach still today Hemp is banned in Nepal but to its good part it has been discovered as an economic revolution. Its fabric, bio mass, nutrients, medicinal properties, paper, etc are some of its additional points that shadow its illegal aspect of drugs abuse. More or less Hemp is the new age revolution that not only highlights an economic revolution but also promotes a healthy lifestyle which needs to be understood and practiced.
