Rohit Sharma: Paving the Way for the Hemp Revolution in India

In the dynamic landscape of India’s hemp industry, Rohit Sharma, the President of the Indian Industrial Hemp Association (IIHA), emerges as a key figure championing the cause of this versatile plant. With the global industrial hemp market projected to reach $15.26 billion by 2027, Sharma plays a pivotal role in steering India toward harnessing the full potential of hemp.

The narrative of hemp in India takes an intriguing turn with the story of B.E Hemp, founded by Elston Menezes. Initially established to educate the public about cannabis and hemp, the start-up faced challenges in market growth and returns. However, when faced with the decision to shut down, fate intervened through the pandemic. B.E Hemp found an unexpected surge in demand for hemp rolling papers during the lockdown, becoming the sole pan-India supplier during that period.

Rohit Sharma emphasizes the transformative power of hemp and its wide-ranging applications, from textiles and clothing to food, paper, biofuel, and more. As the President of IIHA, Sharma actively contributes to the dialogue surrounding hemp’s potential in India.

While the global industrial hemp market is projected to witness substantial growth, India currently contributes less than 0.1 percent to this booming industry. Despite this, the Asia Pacific region, led by countries like China, has a significant presence in the market. The key drivers for hemp market growth include increasing demand for hemp oil and fibers across industries such as automotive, construction, food and beverage, personal care, and textiles. Hemp and marijuana, both derived from the Cannabis sativa plant family, differ primarily in their THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content. Hemp strains have minimal THC and are rich in CBD (cannabidiol), offering various industrial applications without inducing intoxication.

Amit Vaidya, a cancer survivor, shares his experience with hemp products, highlighting the remarkable impact of hemp fabric on breathability. Utilizing hemp t-shirts and trousers during his cancer treatment, Vaidya discovered the potential of hemp in addressing specific health needs. His journey exemplifies the growing awareness and acceptance of hemp as a health and wellness solution.

At the forefront of India’s hemp movement is Bombay Hemp Company (Boheco), an agro-based start-up that aims to mainstream hemp in agriculture and sustainable living. Backed by notable investors like Ratan Tata and Sequoia Capital MD Rajan Anandan, Boheco plays a crucial role in the evolution of the hemp industry. Working closely with farmers in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, Boheco supplies raw materials to numerous hemp start-ups. Despite its significant contributions, Boheco faces challenges, including restrictions on third-party e-commerce platforms, which hinder the marketing of hemp products. Yash Kotak, one of Boheco’s co-founders, emphasizes the need for central government support to unlock the immense potential of the hemp industry, creating jobs and fostering local development.

As the President of IIHA, Rohit Sharma works tirelessly to advocate for favourable hemp legislation and raise awareness about the plant’s myriad uses. With over 30 hemp start-ups emerging in India, the industry is gaining momentum, but regulatory challenges persist. Sharma envisions a future where hemp becomes a staple in various sectors, contributing significantly to India’s economy and sustainability efforts. The hemp revolution led by individuals like Rohit Sharma signifies a paradigm shift, urging the nation to recognize and capitalize on the untapped potential of this versatile plant.