Thailand promotes hemp farming among farmers

BANGKOK, Feb 14 (TNA) – The Thailand Tobacco Monopoly (TTM) voiced its readiness to promote hemp farming in five northern provinces of the country in line with the Cabinet resolution. The Thai Cabinet recently agreed with the five-year action plan for hemp cultivation in highlands of five provinces, namely Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Tak, and Phetchabun. TTM’s director Daonoi Suttiniphapunt said farmers in the North and Northeast will be encouraged to grow hemp as the plant provides the country with a wide range of economic benefits. Ms Daonoi said hemp seed oil is highly valuable and costs a million baht per kilogram as it is rich in protein, amino acid, Omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, which can be used for medical treatment. Hemp seed oil and fiber are also in very high demand, she noted. In addition, growing hemp does not require pesticides, so this would help save costs of farmers. TTM is currently studying the importation of hemp seeds from China, Canada and Australia, and plans to distribute them to farmers for cultivation in early 2018. (TNA)