India boasts a vast array of biodiversity, including rich plant genetics and native medicinal species. The genetic makeup of these plants plays a crucial role in their medicinal properties, as the phytochemical compounds are a result of millions of years of natural selection and survival. Cannabis seeds in India, with around 500 pure genetic strains in India, are no exception.
Reviving and developing these cannabis seeds can offer India an opportunity to reconstitute them as a commercial commodity for export. By revising pricing and utilizing HSN coding and sub-coding, India can tap into the global market, offering patented seeds, buds, Ayurvedic formulations, terpenes, FDA-approved allopathic preparations, and homeopathic mother tinctures.
It is crucial for India to focus on propagating and conserving its biodiverse genetics, rather than resorting to monoculture and low-value imported modified seeds. Monoculture, involving the cultivation of a single type of genetics over a large area, fails to harness the full potential of medicinal phytochemicals found in the original native strains. Indian Cannabis has a rich history, mentioned as one of the six powerful herbs in the Atharv Veda and utilized in more than 250 written formulations for various ailments within the ancient Indian medical system. It is our responsibility as a nation to protect our genetics and preserve this ancient heritage.
Importing low-THC (less than 0.3%) seeds pose disadvantages for India:
Low-THC seeds fall under the category of Industrial Hemp.
These modified seeds were initially developed in America as part of the legalization movement, offering non-addictive cultivation options.
CBD isolates derived from such strains or Industrial Hemp have lower medicinal properties due to the decreased number of cannabinoids.
The market value of CBD isolates is significantly lower ($250-300 per kg) compared to the original strain's full-spectrum distillate with high medicinal value ($10,000 per kg). Indian strains remain untapped in terms of their potential market value.
Buds from Industrial Hemp hold no value in the billion-dollar recreational export industry. We should target existing and future markets such as the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Mexico, Israel, and China.
India would need to import such cannabis seeds, which is not cost-effective. Reliance on foreign companies for seed monopolies could burden farmers and the economy.
Researching and developing such cannabis seeds would not be wise since their cultivation would lead to cross-pollination with indigenous seeds, resulting in the destruction of India's high-value biodiverse strains.
We, Indogenix Biosciences LLP, are pleased to announce that the proposal to build and support the best cannabis seed bank in India exclusively for native/landrace medicinal cannabis seeds (Indian Hemp seeds) in Himachal Pradesh has been accepted. This initiative comes at a crucial time as the Himachal Pradesh Government is considering the cultivation and manufacturing policy for Medicinal Cannabis, and the finalization of this upcoming industry is underway. The demand for high-quality Himalayan original strains will soon be significant.
To meet the requirements of these forthcoming developments followed by developing the best cannabis seed bank in India, Indogenix Biosciences is ready to take the lead in Himachal Pradesh through cooperation and collaborations with reputable organizations, research institutes, and plant boards. It is our responsibility to develop and protect our indigenous seeds while educating the world about the various health benefits offered by the unique cannabinoids found exclusively in our strains.
Our company is committed to managing the best cannabis seed bank in India with its database, facilitating research, testing, and analysis in collaboration with reputable universities from Israel and the USA.