The Free State department of agriculture and rural development is set to empower over 250 local hemp producers through the Springfontein Agri-Park, envisioned as a central hub for hemp processing in the province.
According to the provincial department of agriculture, this project would also address unemployment through the creation of approximately 650 jobs upon completion.
Reviving ailing economy
In addressing farmers and community members of Springfontein, premier Mxolisi Dukwana said the project was one of the many projects mentioned during the State of the Province Address.
“We need to bring development in this area as Xhariep District has a high unemployment rate but suitable for cannabis production under a controlled environment,” he said.
“The Industrial Hempowerment project is expected to act as a processing centre for hemp in the province. It is envisaged that this project in Xhariep will serve as an incubator for hemp (Cannabis Sativa) projects.”
Dukwana stated that with Springfontein’s population of 3 600, he believes that once the local producers are well-trained, they will be able to create jobs for many of the unemployed residents in the area.
“We intend using this agri-park as a hub for processing in the province because it is important that we take over the whole value chain as the province and utilise the expertise we have,” he said.
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Meanwhile, Irene Mehlomakhulu, the executive mayor of Xhariep District Municipality, said the project is going to be a turning point to the economy of the area and change many lives.
“With different phases, people of Xhariep will be employed on to this project because it can only be through jobs that poverty, unemployment, and inequality can be addressed,” she said.
Mehlomakhulu added that not only young people will work but people of all ages will get an opportunity. “We are very excited about the project as leaders in the local government sphere, it is a game-changer in our district,” he said.
The head of the department of agriculture, Dr Takisi Masiteng, said the aim of the agri-park is to have a one-stop shop in the area. He added that there was going to be abattoirs for livestock farmers in the area.
The Xhariep Agri-Hub will include 10x30m greenhouse tunnels for vegetables and hemp, complete with irrigation, tables and lights.
Several initiatives are at various stages extending from infrastructure development for the permit application, primary production of the hemp/cannibas, processing as well as marketing.
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