The HEMP projected created a total of 84 jobs for women.
Ms Lamoela asked the Department to elaborate on the HEMP project.
A DSD official explained that hemp was initially classified as a weed, but was now classified as an agricultural product. It was of the same family as the dagga plant, but without the effects. It was used as a source of fibre, a source of essential oils, and a herbal source of herbs. Extensive research had been done over many years by the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research, the Department of Arts and Culture, and Department of Agriculture, which showed that South Africa produced top-quality hemp, and that it grew readily. In the past South Africa had imported hemp from India, where it also grew readily, but was of poorer quality. The National Hemp Foundation now embarked on commercialisation of hemp, and DSD was involved in investigating how it could link the growing of hemp to the poor and vulnerable such as caregivers of other social grant beneficiaries. There was no wastage of hemp, and every part of the plant could be used for a variety of purposes. The focus was not on the planting of hemp, but on the cottage industries that formed part of the value chain. The Department of Agriculture trained women in the Eastern Cape in the production of hemp, in partnership with the Agricultural Research Council. DSD was implementing a project in the Eastern Cape in the production of hand creams, body lotions and hair products. Although hemp was categorised as an agricultural product, the Department of Health was the licensee, as hemp was categorised as a narcotic plant. DSD was engaging with SAPS on how best to deal with the problem. Currently, each farmer was permitted to plant two hectares of hemp. Department of Science and Technology would facilitate and drive the processes of essential oil production, but could only do that if the number of permissible hectares of planting could be increased to at least 1 000 hectares. This could have a high impact on poverty reduction.
Ms Malgas asked whether growing of hemp had now been decriminalised.
The DSD official said that to some extent it was, but there was still a need for engagement with Department of Health on licensing issues. Hemp was now classed not as a weed but an agricultural product. It was recognised that it had a value in reducing the use of dagga. Dagga was planted merely as a means of generating income, but people could be encouraged rather to plant hemp, which could be sold on the legalised market, providing more sustainable income.
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