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Sikhulekelani Moyo, Business Reporter
THE ZIMBABWE Industrial Hemp Trust (ZIHT) has urged the Government and public sector to fund research and development to promote the growth of the industry as it has the potential to improve the economy through its value chain, which will help imports to substitution.

The founder of the trust, Dr Zorodzai Maroveke advised financial institutions to understand the sector and unlock funding and support the market.

She said regions such as Matabeleland have big potential to grow the product but a lot of research needs to be done.

“Farmers have great interest in industrial hemp and less than 200 hectares is currently under hemp farming.

“Licences have been issued in both sectors but farmers and players are struggling with a number of issues such as access to affordable seeds, funding, stable markets and technical expertise.”

Under the National Development Strategy (NDS1-2021-2025), Zimbabwe is focused on expanding its domestic industrial output with value addition and beneficiation seen as game-changers in delivering export-led economic growth.

Dr Maroveke said since 2017, ZIHT has been the driver of the legalisation of cannabis in Zimbabwe.

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The organisation has successfully lobbied for the separation of the two sub-sectors that is medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp at law in Zimbabwe, regulated by Ministry of Health and Child Care and Ministry of Lands, Agriculture Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement respectively.

Dr Maroveke said hemp can also help complement textile industries and promote cotton farming sustainability and eco-friendliness.
— @SikhulekelaniM1