Cannabis farmers eye K80m returns in pilot project

Cannabis production at Kalumba Cooperative in Kasungu District is expected to raise K80 million in the first pilot phase.

Kalumba Cooperative, which comprises 60 farmers drawn from around Bua Dam in Traditional Authority Njombwa, are cultivating cannabis after getting a government licence and police clearance.

Speaking on the sidelines of a media tour of the farm on Tuesday organised by the United States Cannabis Association, the cooperative’s chairperson John Millionaire said in the first phase of the project, they have cultivated a hectare of cannabis Indica used for manifacturing medicines and other purposes.

He said: “This is our first trial and we expect to produce over 1 200 kilogrammes [kg] if everything goes well.

“The market value is K80 million from the 1 200 kg on the maximum.

Millionaire said so far, they have investment close to K7 million in this project which includes construction of a greenhouse and installation of solar-powered electricity, among others.

“We have been performing due diligence to understand the investment and its offerings, and the due return on investment, it is promising. If everything goes on well, we will farm three times within the next seven months,” he said.

United States Cannabis Association head of production Ted Milanzie confirmed that they are the official buyers of cannabis being grown by Kalumba Cooperative.

He said: “We have signed contracts with five cooperative, including Kalumba Cooperative. Other cooperatives are Blantyre, Lilongwe Chiradzulu, Thyolo and Chikwawa.

“We are offering extension and advisory services at Kalumba Cooperative and also other cooperatives to ensure production goes well,” he said.

Milanzie thanked Kalumba Cooperative for being exemplary and dedicated to their work.

“They have followed instructions to the letter and constructed a greenhouse and done everything. They have followed all processes like getting government licence and police clearance. The future of cannabis farming is bright following the growing global demand for medical cannabis,” he said.

A representative of Senior Chief Njombwa, group village head Chipwika, commended members of Kalumba Cooperative for withstanding challenges such as slander, ridicule and stigma from other members of the community for growing cannabis.

He said: “It has been hard cultivating cannabis [chamba]. These people have suffered ridicule and stigma. You know misconceptions related to chamba.

“But they have been focused and made good progress.”