Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, [email protected]
FINANCE, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has commended Thathokuhle Farm near Bulawayo for its strides towards generating foreign currency, creating jobs and contributing meaningfully to the growth and diversification of Zimbabwe’s economy..
Located in Douglasdale, just outside Bulawayo, the 44-hectare agricultural enterprise has a diverse range of activities, including medicinal cannabis, fish farming, piggery, strawberries, dragon fruit and fig production.
In an update shared after his recent visit to the farm, Minister Ncube said the project has great potential to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the country’s economy.
“I was particularly impressed by the dedicated greenhouse sections, which utilise high-grade imported and locally cross-bred genetics, as well as the farm’s capacity to dry and prepare medicinal cannabis and related products for international markets,” wrote Prof Ncube.
“The enterprise currently employs more than 80 regular workers, with employment increasing during peak harvest periods, demonstrating its potential to expand its contribution to livelihoods and local economic activity.
“I also took the opportunity to engage with the management on the challenges facing the initiative and to appreciate the practical support required to unlock its full potential.”
Prof Ncube said recognising the importance of such investments in driving production, exports and job creation, Government has offered tax relief measures to support the farm’s continued growth and development.
He said initiatives such as Thathokuhle Farm are a clear demonstration of the value of supporting productive enterprises that can strengthen Zimbabwe’s economy and position the agricultural sector for greater participation in international markets.
This initiative is being spearheaded by experienced farmers, Mr Mike Querl, his wife, Mrs Kerrie Mitchell Querl, and their business partner, Mr Graeme Jansen Van Vuuren.
Following the Government’s decision to legalise the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes in April 2018, the trio decided to venture into commercial cannabis farming in 2021.
The Government legalised the production of cannabis for medicinal or scientific purposes under Statutory Instrument 18 (Dangerous Drugs — Production of Cannabis for Medicinal and Scientific Use Regulations).
Under this legal instrument, producers of cannabis must be licensed by the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Mrs Kerrie Mitchell Querl said they were extremely grateful for the time the minister took out of his busy schedule to visit and tour the farm, as well as appreciate all that had been accomplished.
“The farm has 50 permanent workers but during harvesting or processing we can increase to 100. We have a maintenance team of eight and another team of eight in charge of security.
“We have three growers and 31 ladies who work with the plants. So, over 70 percent of our workers are women.”
Mr Mike Querl said they were humbled and honoured by the Minister’s visit.
He said the Minister toured their cannabis project, which has fish farming, organic vegetables and over 3 000 fruit trees.
“We are doing smart farming and full utilisation of the land showing what a small farmer can produce. Hopefully we will soon, with help of The Government have an out-grower programme for industrial hemp, which will definitely push President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 vision forward as our small to medium farmers will then join the high income earners.
The Minister granted us tax relief as he understands our vision,” said Mr Querl.
