Preps for mbanje farming

At least $10 million has been set aside for the establishment of the first ever medicinal cannabis (mbanje) production facility in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central.

Operating under the firm, NIRCAN ZW Limited, a subsidiary of the NIRCOM A.S.I.G, the consortium has already applied to government for a Medical Cannabis Cultivation and Growing Licence for export.

Government in April this year announced that individuals and businesses could apply for licences to cultivate cannabis for medicinal or scientific purposes.

According to sources, former Health and Child Care minister David Parirenyatwa had, in principle, agreed to the application by NIRCAN ZW Ltd.

Issuance of the licence will lead to the establishment of the Medical Cannabis and Growing Centre in Mazowe.

Of the $10 million budget set aside by NIRCAN ZW Ltd, $4 million is earmarked for the basic assumption, which includes cultivation and growing centre with a gross size of 50 000 square metres.

This would also include the establishment of one greenhouse growing unit and an outdoor growing unit.

The budget also includes working capital of $4,5 million for the first year and $1m set aside for miscellaneous expenses. – FARMERS VOICES