HEMP
It
is another bast fibre, which produces
soft, flax like fibre. The obtained from
the stalk of the hemp plant 'Cannabis Sativa', which is grown
extensively in India, China, ex-USSR, Germany, Japan, Turkey, Italy and France.
The plant is usually 2-3 meter high and 1.5 mc thick.
CULTIVATION
A
moderately rich, friable, well drained sandy loam is the preferred soil.
Adequate moisture with 60 mm to 75 mm rainfall per month during the growth of
the plant is required. Seed is sown in rows with a space of about 12-15 cm
between rows and 8-10 cm between plants.
Stalks are ready for harvesting, when
the lower leaves just begin to turn yellow. The duration for sowing to
harvesting is about 100 to 120 days. As usual, cutting is done at the
particular time, when it is judged that the best quality of the fibre will
result.
