However, the use of hemp for textiles is nothing new. People have been cultivating hemp longer than any other textile fibre. Its textile use dates back to 8000 B.C. when it was first woven into a fabric and eventually supplied 80% of the world's textiles. Hemp is an environmentally friendly, sustainable and versatile fibre that provides steady employment for Nepalese villagers.

Hemp textiles are produced in several districts in western Nepal, such as Darchula, Bajhang, Bajura, Dailekh, Jajarkot, Rolpa and Rukum. However, the higher situated areas of the upper Darchula district were long considered the source of the highest quality Nepalese hemp fabrics. Hemp fibres are either spun into cords and ropes, coarse yarn for weaving commercial market fabrics and coarse sacks, or finer yarn for weaving traditional fabrics used domestically for blankets, belts and grain bags.