by Phaphama Tshisikhawe
The Tshwane University of Technology and CSIR Cannabis Hub has been granted two hemp permits: one for cultivation and commercialisation and the other for research purposes. The permits will allow for the cultivation of hemp on up to 20 hectares of land.
Prof David Katerere.
This development opens opportunities for collaborations with TUT's Crop Science, Engineering Department and other entities, both within and outside the university, that are focused on the farm.
Speaking on the grant, Prof David Katerere, the Research Platform Chair of Pharmaceutical and Biotech Advancement in Africa (PBA2) and Co-Director of the TUT/CSIR Cannabis Research Hub said: “we are really excited to have these permits. Hemp is an important under-utilized and misunderstood crop which can be used for pharmaceuticals, nutrition and nutraceutical products as well as industrial products like biochar, construction material, bioplastics etc. In addition, it is good for the environment as it improves soil health and is excellent for carbon uptake in light of climate change”.
Prof Katerere explains that the permit is an important stepping-stone for research into various aspects of hemp ranging from genetics, agronomics to product development.
“Already we are working with partners in the university. South Africa is quite progressive in hemp legislation and development compared to many of our peers such as India so we need to build on this. Recently we were involved in the launch of the Vhembe Industrial Hemp Forum”, said Prof Katerere.
The Cannabis Hub will be accelerating research and support for hemp growers. The team has been contract extracting for 5 growers and some of them now have innovative products containing the oils produced at the hub.
“We want to continue to support growers. We are the only paid up African member of the Federation of Industrial Hemp Organizations (FIHO) where we are involved in some of the work on quality and sustainability of hemp value chains.”
Concluding, Prof Katerere says that the hub is looking forward to receiving a high – level French delegation through their partnership with COBASA and as part enhancing research and business collaborations between France and Southern Africa.
“TIA, CSIR and ARC are some of the partners involved in organizing this visit in the next quarter”, said Prof Katerere.
