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Journal Article

Industrial hemp in Nepal: Production and valorization perspectives

Authors

Kafle,  Sagar
External Organizations;

Poudel,  Bibek
External Organizations;

Gyawali,  Purushottam
External Organizations;

Bhattarai,  Dilli Ram
External Organizations;

Acharya,  Tri Dev
External Organizations;

Acharya,  Rupesh
External Organizations;

Dhakal,  Saurav
External Organizations;

/persons/resource/prajal.pradhan

Pradhan,  Prajal
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research;

Adhikari,  Sushil
External Organizations;

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Citation

Kafle, S., Poudel, B., Gyawali, P., Bhattarai, D. R., Acharya, T. D., Acharya, R., Dhakal, S., Pradhan, P., Adhikari, S. (2025 online): Industrial hemp in Nepal: Production and valorization perspectives. - Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 215, 115622.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2025.115622


Cite as: https://publications.pik-potsdam.de/pubman/item/item_32148
Abstract
Despite the numerous benefits of hemp, it remains prohibited in Nepal, and no prior studies have explored its potential for cultivation, production, and valorization. Considering various land, soil, and climatic parameters, 1.8 million hectares (ha) of suitable land have been identified for hemp production. Taking 10 %, 20 %, and 5 % of the feasible areas from the Terai, Hill, and Mountain regions, respectively, it is estimated that about 3.1–4.6 million tonnes (Mt) of solid fuel, 0.5–0.9 Mt of fiber, and 126–174 million liters of biodiesel can be produced in Nepal. The estimated solid fuel can account for 8.6–12.3 % of the country's total energy demand, while biodiesel can meet 7.3–10.1 % of the diesel consumption. The estimated production cost is USD 3,177/ha, with a cost-benefit ratio of 2.46–4.08, making hemp a profitable alternative crop. Utilizing hemp products could significantly contribute to Nepal's sustainable development goals, particularly goals 1, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 15. These novel findings could play a crucial role in advocating for the legalization of hemp cultivation and industrialization in Nepal.