Hemp Farming is being put to the test in Australia’s Northern Territory. Growers are hoping the crop will thrive in the warm winter climate.
NT farmers are testing various hemp varieties to see which can output the best harvest in the dry winter season. Being able to produce hemp in the north would give growers the opportunity to provide hemp to the southern states that grow mainly in the summer months. The other advantage, is that northern farmers could potentially harvest two crops a season.
Hemp has thousands of uses, from building materials to nutritional food products. The fibre and hurds of the hemp plant are used to make textiles, rope and building materials. Hemp seeds are highly nutritious, loaded with vitamins and minerals and an excellent source of protein. They are also a balanced source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids. The seeds can be eaten in their raw, hulled form, or used to produce oil, flour and milk, or protein powder.
Hemp is an eco-friendly, sustainable crop that can be grown without herbicides or pesticides, and it requires very little water to grow. It is a versatile crop with enormous potential, and the Northern Territory is well-positioned to play Australia’s leading role in the global market.
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