HEMP- A HUGE “CASH CROP” FOR GUYANA’S ECONOMY

Published on: Jul 19, 2017 @ 8:15 pm

     HEMP is one of the strongest and most durable natural soft fibers on earth and one of the oldest domesticated crop known to society.  It has been used for various things including paper, textiles, fuel, oils, medicine and much more.  Although HEMP and marijuana both come from the same cannabis species, HEMP IS NOT MARIJUANA! It cannot get you high because it contains less than 1% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).  HEMP can be grown as a renewable source for raw materials that can be integrated into thousands of products.  HEMP is called a “cash crop” because its seeds and flowers are very valuable (“What is Hemp,” 2017).  It can be grown in many different weather conditions and in different climates around the world.  HEMP is a three-month crop which means that it grows very quickly.  It HEMP has been used by many civilizations for over 12,000 years.  HEMP seeds are very nutritious and beneficial for people and animals.  The seed contains protein, carbohydrates, and inexplicable fiber.  The seeds can be can be made into milk, tea, baking or be eaten raw.  The seeds are used around the world in China, India, Canada, Russia, Germany, Poland, Spain, Egypt and in a few states in the U.S. (“Hemp Production Around the World,” 2016). HEMP seed is extremely nutritional and valuable.  HEMP can also offer two types of fuel called HEMP biodiesel that is made from the oil of the HEMP seed which are called HEMP ethanol/methanol which is make from the stalk.  HEMP has been used for many centuries.  It is used to greatly in the textile industry and in producing paper.  It is also used for making clothing by popular designers in different countries.  HEMP is used in numerous ways.  It can be used in building materials such as plastic, fiberboard, roofing tiles, insulation and even bricks.  HEMP oil can help you live a healthy life.  It comes from the seeds and it is beneficial for healthy hair, nails, and skin.  It can also help decrease swelling and irritation.  HEMP can also be beneficial for the body and the immune system (“What is Hemp,” 2017).   HEMP is a multimillion dollar addition to the GDP of the countries which it is planted.  In 2013, the HEMP Industries Association (HIA) estimated that the total retail value of HEMP products only in the United States was $581 million, this includes food and body products, clothing, building materials etc. (Hansen, 2015).  HEMP is a phenomenal crop.  The United Republican Party stands firmly behind HEMP.  The URP believes it is a way out of poverty.   HEMP will boost the Guyana’s economy! It will create employment, it will increase business for farmers and green consumers and it will bring substantial revenue to Guyana.  HEMP is a crop that is worth investing in!

References

What is HEMP. (2017, July 6). Retrieved from http://www.hemp.com/what-is-hemp/

Hemp production around the world. (2016, August 27). Retrieved from https://hempedification.wordpress.com/2016/08/27/hemp-production-around-the-world/

Hansen, R. (2015, July). Industrial Hemp.  Retrieved from http://www.agmrc.org/commodities-products/fiber/industrial-hemp/

ALOE VERA: ANOTHER WAY TO DEVELOP GUYANA’S ECONOMY

Published on: Jul 19, 2017 @ 8:11 pm

      Aloe Vera is used for strength, wellness, and medicinal purposes.  It is a member of the Lily family comprising of hundreds of species of Aloe.  However, only four are known to have nutritional value, the essential one used in marketable products which is Aloe barbadensis miller.  Aloe Vera began in tropical Africa and is now refined in warm climatic areas of Asia, Europe, and America.  There are over seventy-five nutrients and two hundred vigorous compounds found in the aloe leaf which is why at times it is labeled as a “wonder plant” (“Aloe Vera Barbadensis miller,” 2013).  Aloe Vera can be described as a stemless with thick and ample green leaves which grows up to 50 to 90 cm tall.  Aloe Vera cultivation can be profitable to anyone who exercise right crop management.  Aloe Vera plants can be grown indoors or outdoors and can be cultivated in pots or in the ground and requires a fast draining soil.  These plants do not need to be water very often if it is in a cool climate, however, if it is growing in a hot environment it need to be water once or twice a week.  Aloe Vera plants grows well with little rain and does not need any irrigation in rainy season.  Because of its adaptability, Aloe Vera can be grown in the desert and drought regions and most parts of the world (“Aloe Vera Cultivation Guide,”2017).  Aloe Vera is used for numerous health benefits such as burns, healing wounds, frost bite and damage to the skin.  It can also be used for lung cancer, lowering of blood sugar, allergies, improving the immune system and much more. Aloe Vera based drinks contains several vitamins, amino acid, folic acid etc. which makes it the driving growth of the Aloe Vera market.  It helps maintain a healthy body weight and it increases energy level.  Aloe Vera is truly a remarkable species.  Its gel which is taken from its leaves has said to have more than 200 bioactive chemicals (Ahlawat & Khatkar, 2011).  This homoeopathic plant has many commercial cosmetic uses.  This plant is used to make many cosmetic products including face creams, shampoo, moisturizing creams, shaving creams etc.  Aloe Vera plants are also used tremendously in the herbal world to cure most diseases.  It can also be used as decorative purposes.  According to Market Research.com, The U.S. has the largest cosmetics market in the world and its profits is expected to surpass $62 billion in 2016.  It is projected that the makeup market will show growth through 2018 along with products in the global skincare which is $121 billion industry.  Hair care products also reached $11.6 billion in 2014.  It is also expected that the global premium cosmetics market is to reach over $126 billion by 2019.  This is tremendous growth in this industry overall and Aloe is a major contributor to the market growth.  The United Republican Party feels strongly about this plant and know it can and will develop the economy of Guyana.  The URP’s aim is to utilize this phenomenal plant to ensure the betterment and growth of Guyana.  Aloe Vera will give a boost to Guyana’s economy, it will create employment and will bring immense revenue to Guyana!

References

  Aloe Vera Barbadensis miller. (2013, February 22). Retrieved from https://middlepath.com.au/plant/aloes_Aloe_Vera_barbadensis-miller.php

 Ahlawat, K. & Khatkar, B. (2011, January 18). Processing, food applications and safety of aloe vera products: a review.  Retrieved from                            https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551117/

Aloe Vera Cultivation Guide.  (2017, July 7).  Retrieved from http://www.asiafarming.com/aloe-vera-cultivation/