Concepts like ‘going green’ and ‘going organic’ are catching the attention of everyone in the City. Combining the two is ‘Be Hemp India’, a start-up that promotes products made from hemp.
A distinct venture that was started two years back by Elston Menezes and Benson Martis, it also helps educate people about the nutritional advantages of hemp and the eco-friendly nature of its products.
“It was during my visit to Nepal that I was introduced to a wide range of hemp products. Be it shoes, clothing, bags or hats, the products made from hemp at the stores there amazed me. I also watched a couple of documentaries and gathered a lot of information on the advantages of hemp fibre,” says Elston. The duo started sourcing these unique products from Nepal to the City. Soon, the two received a number of requests for customised products made from these rich plants. Now, these are a huge hit among the fashionistas and eco-friendly people.
Be it dreamcatchers, accessories, shoes, caps, hats, purses, bags or hacky sacks, one can now see these products at different flea markets in the City. “They are manufactured in Nepal but we do provide our customers with the option of customisation,” he says. Durable and unmatched, they protect one from the harmful UV rays, explains Elston.
“These plants are grown largely in Nepal and North India. They have high medicinal value and the fibres are very strong when compared to other fabrics,” he explains.
Besides promoting products made from hemp, they want to revolutionise the agricultural market too. “A single plant of hemp has around 20,000 uses. Everyday, a new advantage of this plant is discovered. The economy of the country will boom if farmers start growing this valuable and versatile plant,” says Elston. Green and sustainable, hemp can help cure cancer, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and fight low blood pressure. It also stimulates skin and hair growth and regulates metabolism. The oil manufactured from the plant helps increase one’s immunity.
The dresses, T-shirts and accessories of ‘Be Hemp India’ are really trendy. The flip flops last longer than the branded ones. “The more you use these products, the more durable they become,” he says. The duo have also been part of conferences to voice their support towards growing hemp.
“There are many doctors in the City who want to start a ‘hemp movement’ to create awareness about the medicinal value of these plants,” he adds.
While there is a lot of positive feedback for their products, he says, “There are a few who think hemp is dangerous and come to us voicing their dissatisfaction. It is for this reason
that we aim at educating as many people as possible about the high medicinal value of these plants.”