The Agricultural Marketing Authority Board and Senior Management visited Industrial Hemp Farm in Harare and Tobacco Research Board(TRB) on May 6, 2021.
The farm visit provided a forum for discussions that centered on the understanding of hemp regulations, assessment of production constraints, value addition and beneficiation, development of a local market and economic potential of the crop. TRB visit focused on the development of seed varieties for local environment and other research initiatives around hemp.
Zimbabwe has a rare opportunity to lead the way in a new industry globally. Hemp benefits are many, and they range from building material to industrial uses, fibre, textiles, seed and food (food supplement) and the active ingredient cannabidiol (CBD). New data shows that the latter is being used to cure various ailments.
AMA CEO Mr Clever Isaya said the authority will commit to ensuring that more resources are deployed in building extraction facilities, formulation and finished products so that US$100 million can be generated from Industrial hemp in Zimbabwe over the next five years.
