By Matsobane Manaka
Cultivation practices were demonstrated where farmers observed key cultivation steps such as planting and row spacing.
The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) in collaboration with Limpopo Hemp and Cannabis Farmers Association (LHCFA) have conducted the hemp plantation demonstration on a 2 hectare (ha), at JoAnne herbs farm belonging to Jenifer Mashudu Badabe, Levubu in Makhado, on 8 December 2025.
Badabe was among the 15 beneficiaries with permits, who received hemp seeds from LDARD’s MEC Nakedi Kekana at Temo Towers, in a bid to empower farmers to develop the hemp and cannabis industry in Limpopo. This demonstrates the department’s commitment to supporting emerging growers, strengthening agricultural diversification, and positioning Limpopo as a strategic player in this sunrise industry.
Following the receipt of hemp seeds, ARC Can 01 hemp variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species, Dr Rudzani Mathobo, the Cannabis Coordinator, led the team comprises of farmers, researchers from Agricultural Research Council and Institute of Higher Learning to form part of the demonstration of hemp cultivation at Badabe’s field where best practices were shared and explored its potential applications.
The hemp plantation, which is the first in the province, intended to showcase the industrial potential of its versatility as a crop.
With hands-on approach, Dr Rudzani Mathobo, the Cannabis Coordinator, had illustrated the cultivation techniques by applying the best practices.
Bedane’s 2 ha site was well chosen with suitable soil quality, and the favourable climatic conditions. Cultivation practices were demonstrated where farmers observed key cultivation steps such as: seed selection and planting as well as row spacing.
Growth stages and monitoring will be followed through with harvest and post-harvest handling.
The demonstration emphasises several hemp benefits such as hemp’s rapid growth and carbon sequestration capabilities, soil improvement and reduced need for chemical inputs, versatility in products ranging from textiles, food, biofuels, to medicinal CBD, economic opportunities for farmers through diversified crops.
A hemp demonstration provided an invaluable platform to educate and encourage stakeholders who are small-scale farmers toward adopting hemp as a sustainable and profitable crop. It bridges knowledge gaps, fosters collaboration, and inspires innovation in hemp agriculture and industry.
This pilot is designed not only to support production, but also to generate research insights, monitor performance of the registered cultivars under Limpopo conditions, and inform future scale-up programmes.
Dr Rudzani Mathobo (right) alongside Jenifer Mashudu Bedane address participants ahead of the hemp plantation demonstration.
