Zikalala: KZN to make 'substantial hectares of land available' for cannabis production
Premier Sihle Zikalala says the agri-hubs they are going to be setting up are aimed at boosting food security and job creation and improving KZN's economic growth.
He revealed during his State of the Province Address on Thursday that sites have been identified for their development.
The Zululand District Municipality will host the ‘Red Meat Hub’.
uThukela will have the wool, skin and hides treatment facility.
"The ‘White Meat Hub’ will be on the border of eThekwini Municipality and UMgungundlovu District.
"The ‘Dairy Hub’ will be in the Harry Gwala District Municipality, the Fresh Produce Hub in King Cetshwayo Municipality District and the Grain Hub in the Amajuba District Municipality.
"All agri-hub business plans have been developed, including the designs and submitted to some funding institutions which have already expressed their desire to partner with the provincial government on their implementation.
Zikalala touched on the cannabis industry's rapid growth, saying KZN's poised to take advantage of production in this sector.
"Through the Moses Kotane Institute, the province has since produced a comprehensive study on the green rush. This is to guide our interventions as government, including making substantial hectares of land available for cannabis production.
"This year, we will fast-track the implementation of Cannabis Master Plan. The MECs for Agriculture and Rural Development and Economic Development will elaborate further in their forthcoming budget speeches."
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