EASTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN MULTI-MILLION RAND HEMP SEED PRODUCTION

A multi-million-rand investment by the Eastern Cape government in hemp seed production is set to bolster the cannabis industry in the province. The groundbreaking multifaceted collaboration between the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) with the department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) and Medigrow ZA will stimulate rural development and unearth economic growth in the province.

A total of 26 local farmers from various districts across the province signed an offtake agreement with the Eastern Cape government to receive hemp seeds. DRDAR MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe says this key milestone will place the province on a competitive edge in the cannabis industry.

"I'm glad that we're finally at this stage of the programme where we are implementing more than we are talking, we have such rich land and as the Premier would usually say, our time to thrive is now. With the help of Medi-grow, the farmers and other stakeholders involved, we are to see an improved economy that will yield job opportunities. The export prospects and the demand of this product for medicinal use will place us as a country among the best producers and we couldn t be happier”, said MEC Kontsiwe.

The Eastern Cape is poised for significant economic transformation as this milestone is set create a network of employment opportunities and strengthen economic growth through exports. As one of the key stakeholders in this partnership, Medigrow ZA CEO Edgar Adams says its imperative to bring this investment to the Eastern Cape due to the natural growth of cannabis in some parts of the province.

Many people in SA don't know the importance of this plant, and apart from its medicinal use, it has fed families in this province, this facility, with the help of the farmers, will save cannabis in Africa,” he said.

Through training and financial support, the 26 beneficiaries will be given cultivation permits to be fully equipped to grow the plant. One of the beneficiaries from Indyebo Estate Co-operative Treasure Ntoto has welcomed this bold step in the industry.