Africa-Press – Botswana. The legalisation of hemp in Botswana could transform the nation’s economy by unlocking diverse opportunities across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, retail and healthcare.
The Assistant Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Mr Baratiwa Mathoothe said this during a kgotla meeting at Sedigelo ward in Serowe on Tuesday. He said this strategic move aimed to diversify the economy, would reduce reliance on traditional industries.
Mr Mathoothe said that hemp being a multipurpose crop, could be used to produce a wide range of products including textiles, body lotions, clothes and health supplements. He told residents that it’s legalisation would open up new market opportunities for businesses involved in the production, distribution and sale of hemp products.
The assistant minister said in other countries hemp legalisation had created jobs, boosted agricultural revenue and promoted innovation and entrepreneurship.
“It has opened up new market opportunities and attracted significant investment,” he said.
Contrary to people’s assertions that ligalising hemp would lead to its careless sales in the market for recreation purposes, Mr Mathoothe said just like diamond, the plantations would be well kept under strict security.
“Permits would be issued to deserving people according to regulations and laws,” he said.
The assistant minister indicated that hemp was a variety of the cannabis plant species grown specifically for industrial use.
Reporting on the developments of the wards, the Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson, Mr Onkemetse Mashiakgomo told the assistant minister that high unemployment in Serowe contributed to poverty.
He said a lack of employment opportunities had led to inadequate and unreliable incomes, making it difficult for people to meet basic needs to escape poverty. Mr Mashiakgomo also talked about the bad situation of internal roads in Serowe after heavy rains.
He was further concerned about electricity cables which were stolen in Serowe, adding that the culprits had robbed many households leaving them in the dark.
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