Hemp Fiber: A Hope for Pakistan’s Troubled Textile Industry

Pakistan is Asia’s eighth-largest exporter of textile goods with 423 textile industries. 40% of the country’s workforce is employed by the textile industry, which generates 8.5% of the nation’s GDP. Additionally, it accounts for about 60% of Pakistan’s overall exports and roughly 46% of all domestic production. Despite the industry’s immense strength, it is losing ground to other nations, particularly in comparison to growing economies.

By Muhammad Alamgeer,Muhammad Amjid,Muhammad Sajid 

The sharp fall in cotton production over the past few years (by about 35%) is one of the main causes of this decline. The productivity of cotton achieved in 2021 was the lowest in 30 years due to several meteorological and R&D concerns. As a result, Pakistan is currently a net importer of raw cotton, which has a significant impact on yarn pricing.

Industrial hemp has the potential to transform several industries, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, and autos, with a favorable influence on lowering CO₂ emissions at a time when the cotton crisis is affecting the nation. The crop’s exceptional fiber quality has the potential to revive Pakistan’s struggling textile industry and boost its performance. In comparison to cotton, this crop produces three times as much per acre while using 30% less water and less pesticide. The textile industry may create 100,000–200,000 employment and US$ 1 billion in income in just one to two years by using this approach.

Hemp is known as the “king of natural fibers” and its products outcompete cotton and can be used for both civilian and military purposes. Global demand for hemp-based textiles and other goods is extremely high. Hemp-based fabrics are stronger and more durable than cotton-based ones, and they also have superior thermos-active, antistatic, antibacterial, and UV protection properties. Future military uniforms are anticipated to undergo radical changes as a result of industrial hemp’s unique properties. Because of hemp’s special qualities, it can be converted into a variety of materials for high-end and military clothing. These materials are ideal for making ropes, tents, and bedclothes in addition to clothing.

The hemp plant produces white fiber similar to cotton after the process of decortication, degumming, and spinning. The fiber can then be inexpensively blended with wool or cotton to create fabrics made entirely of hemp.

Due to its superior fabric properties and to reduce cotton’s carbon footprint and environmental impact, China is adopting hemp cultivation on a larger scale. China is reviewing its value chain for hemp cultivation and recommending further large-scale production of this environmentally friendly crop, which, unlike cotton, uses less pesticide and water. China has boosted its hemp farming from 1000 hectares to more than 70,000 hectares since launching this effort.

Industrial hemp differs from marijuana in that it has a tetrahydrocannabinol content (THC) that is less than or equal to 0.3 percent, whereas THC in marijuana is greater than 0.3 percent. Increased hemp production has many advantages. First off, it would give the textile industry a significant new source of fiber and lessen reliance on cotton, which uses a lot of water, fertilizer, pesticides, and other resources. Additionally, those places where cotton yield is unsustainable can be utilized for the farming of significant food crops. Furthermore, hemp farming would add to the income of millions of small farmers in some of the most underdeveloped rural and mountainous regions of the nation.

Because hemp has such a significant economic impact, it should be permitted to grow in Pakistan’s rain-fed regions, such as the cold and dry mountains in the north of the country. By gradually switching from cotton (irrigated) to hemp fiber (rainfed), Pakistan’s water deficit situation can be alleviated.

Fig: Hemp (Cannabis) leaves are placed on Hemp Fiber.