CH. IV.] REPORT OF THE INDIAN HEMP DRUGS COMMISSION, 1893-94. 57

Bhadran, where bhang is made for home consumption. No narcotic hemp is
cultivated either for the production of charas or its flowers or seeds." The area
is about 10 to 12 bighas. It is also found in the compounds of sadhus, fakirs,
and other people who consume ganja or bhang. There is no reason to suppose
that this latter kind of cultivation is very common.

Kashmir.

148. The Governor of Kashmir and Jammu and the Member of Kashmir State
Council report that the plant is not cultivated. It
appears that the wild growth is abundant enough, and
develops the narcotic properties in sufficient degree to satisfy the wants of the
people.

Nepal.

149. The answers to questions received from the Nepal State through the
Resident, while alleging that no one cultivates
ganja, describe how the wild plant is nurtured and
treated, sometimes, it would appear, after being transplanted. This treatment
is said to require special skill (questions 2 and 10), and the inference is that
the industry is not followed by any large number of persons. The Bengal evid-
ence shows that Nepal charas used formerly to be consumed in that prov-
ince, but has now given way to that from the Punjab. But it is reported from
the North-Western Provinces that 25 to 50 maunds are still imported into
Lucknow. It would seem, therefore, that the industry is not inconsiderable. In
Royle's Fibrous Plants of India will be found quoted a report from Mr.
Hodgson, which shows that in the northern districts of Nepal the plant is
pretty extensively grown for fibre.

Summary.

150. The following table shows the total area of hemp cultivation in India as
far as it has been possible to state definite figures:—

Extent either ascertained or estimated of cultivation in the various Provinces
and States.

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