Production and Processing of Industrial Hemp ('Bhang') Fibre and its Future Potential in Textile/Cordage Industry

Abstract

Industrial Hemp, commonly known as 'Bhang', is an underutilized biomass found in Uttarakhand. Its stem shows fibre properties ie., cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Samples 'A' and 'B' of Industrial Hemp fibre (Bhang) were made and sample 'A' was chemically treated with washing soda and 'B' with Boric acid. These chemically treated fibre samples were carded and spun in Nandprayag (weaving cluster developed by Uttaranchal Bamboo and Fiber Development Board-UBFDB). The spun fibre showed less breaking percentage and its appearance was white hence it can be used in textile/cordage at cottage entrepreneurship level. However due to lack of awareness, development of processing methods for fibre, Industrial Hemp and its use in textile/cordage industry these remain undeveloped and unexplored in Uttarakhand. Hence, UBFDB is undertaking continuous efforts to establish this Industrial Hemp fibre at commercial level to provide employment to local people of Uttarakhand.