Close-Up of Woven Hemp Textile

For many, hemp cultivation held emotional, as well as economic, value for the community. One village woman, Lila Devi, shared fond memories of taking hemp products to fairs in nearby towns, where they could sell it or exchange it for other goods. For many in this isolated region, such trips offered a rare chance to see the outside world, while also generating valuable income. Thanks to its multitude of uses, hemp cultivation also served as a symbol of self-sufficiency of Bora communities, who took pride in being able to produce their own textiles and spices without interference or assistance from outsiders.