Hemp: A Potential Crop for Resilient Food Security

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an ancient multipurpose crop that has regained global attention due to its potential contributions to food security, environmental sustainability, and climate-resilient agriculture. This review highlights the nutritional, agronomic, industrial, and ecological significance of hemp. Hempseed is a rich source of high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, and bioactive compounds, making it valuable for functional foods and human nutrition. Beyond food applications, hemp serves as a renewable raw material for textiles, construction materials, bioplastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. The crop offers several environmental advantages, including high carbon sequestration capacity, phytoremediation potential, low pesticide requirements, and improvements in soil health. Recent regulatory reforms have stimulated renewed research interest and commercial cultivation worldwide. However, challenges related to seed retention, fiber quality, processing infrastructure, market development, and regulatory compliance continue to constrain its wider adoption. Overall, hemp represents a promising crop for supporting sustainable agriculture, circular bioeconomy initiatives, and diversified industrial and food systems, with significant potential to contribute to future environmental and economic sustainability.