ETHEKWINI Municipality has invited the expression of interest to pilot hemp and cannabis seeds for trials and distribution to local farmers or cultivators for the commercialisation of cannabis.
eThekwini spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said the invitation is per the City’s 10-year Agri-Business Masterplan, which includes cannabis as the fifth commodity for the development of the sector. The other commodities are vegetables, sheep, pigs and poultry.
Also read: Discover the nutritional benefits of hemp seeds
“The five commodities are part of a 10-year plan aimed at guiding the municipality to unlock opportunities and jobs for emerging enterprises in the agriculture sector trading in these commodities, thus boosting local economies,” said Sisilana.
eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said this process will enable the municipality, under the Agri-Business Department, which is spearheading the process, to pilot and develop the hemp and cannabis sector towards full commercialisation.
“The eThekwini Agribusiness Masterplan has identified cannabis as one of the key commodities that must be supported and developed to promote the local economy and job creation. The Agribusiness Masterplan aims to attract investment of R1 billion over a ten-year period to unlock economic value worth R10 billion and create 10 000 new jobs,” said Kaunda.
He added that the purpose of the pilot project is to assist farmers to familiarise themselves with growing methods and to become accustomed to this new crop. Also, during the trial period, strains that have done well in specific areas will be identified, improved and crossed, creating hybrids specific to regions.
Application/proposal submission process:
- Applications must consist of a detailed proposal on how the objective’s pilot project can be implemented in the eThekwini Municipality in alignment with the Agribusiness Masterplan.
- Proposals should clearly detail the organisational expertise on cannabis development and commercialisation.
- A detailed financial model with financial contributions should be provided by the applicant.
- The outcome of whether the proposal is accepted or declined will be guided by a Council decision with applicants advised accordingly.
For more information, contact Vuyo Jayiya on Vuyo.Jayiya@durban.gov.za or 031 311 4237, or Nelisiwe Gumede on Nelisiwe.Gumede@durban.gov.za or 031 322 9299. For information on terms and conditions, visit eThekwini Municipality’s website, www.durban.gov.za, and click on the ‘Government’ tab, then the ‘Documents’ sub-tab. Browse to Public Notices and scroll to Public Notices November 2023. Alternatively, download the full advert on this link: https://shorturl.at/hnGWZ
All applications must be delivered to the Agribusiness Department offices by no later than November 17 at 16:30. No electronic submissions will be accepted.
The Agri-Business Department is located at the Durban Fresh Produce Market, 81 Flower Road, Clairwood, Durban.
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