Government will issue permits for growing low THC grade bhang in which the level of the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol is low. | Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Lucknow: In what can be seen as dope news by farmers, the Uttar Pradesh cabinet gave the green signal for bhang or hemp farming in the state. The cultivation will be for medicinal and industrial purposes only and would be kept under strict vigil considering the intoxicating nature of the plant.

According to a report by the Times of India, the government will issue permits for growing low THC grade bhang in which the level of the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol is low. Spokesperson for the government, Srikant Sharma, said that several other countries had been cultivating hemp for medicinal use for a while now. He was also of the opinion that its production will also help in improving farmer's income.

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It is not just hemp that is on the radar of the Adityanath Yogi-led Uttar Pradesh government. Talks are also underway and MoUs have been signed with Japanese government for the felicitation of projects where public and private players will invest in fisheries and forestry of the state. This is a particularly important move as the state’s farmers have a big problem with selling of sugarcane, a cash crop widely cultivated in the area.

To streamline the process and ensure its success, the UP government has further rationalised Value Added Tax (VAT) for the supply of gas to urea plants that are necessary for the production of fertilisers.

The move is a welcome one as farmers can make a quick buck selling bhang for medicinal use and hemp for industrial applications, taking them out from a financial rut that has lasted for over a decade.

