The Ministry of Agriculture is taking the lead in the introduction of industrial hemp farming in Fiji, said permanent secretary Dr Vinesh Kumar at the 23rd Attorney-General’s Conference in Nadi.
He said the ministry had done the research and held consultations with stakeholders.
“We are looking at starting this as a pilot project,” he said.
“We already have identified an overseas partner which has the expertise in planting and cultivation of industrial hemp.
“We have got other players that we are consulting, like the Fiji Police Force.”
Dr Kumar said the proposed Industrial Hemp Bill would set out a comprehensive and detailed legal framework for the cultivation, sale and export of industrial hemp here in Fiji.
“We have been looking at the best varieties and economic returns.
“It is a wonder plant due to an estimated 25,000 different uses and research also shows along with bamboo, hemp is the fastest-growing plant on Earth. “Industrial hemp is an environmentally friendly crop, and it can relish soil and grow in a location with other crops.
“The weather is conducive here and it can work on a crop rotation for sugar or any other crop.”
