Through industrial hemp production, Botswana is taking an important step towards the resuscitation of its ailing economy following a decline in diamond sales on the global stage.

President Duma Boko made this revelation after touring a hemp trial project at Mochudi village, some 60 km north of Gaborone, saying farming of industrial hemp and its subsequent value chain will create countless job and business opportunities for many citizens.

After touring the project at the National Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Boko highlighted a significant milestone in the government's long-term plan to reduce dependence on the diamond industry while expanding opportunities in agriculture.

Boko said the success of the trial project demonstrates that industrial hemp can grow successfully under Botswana's diverse climatic conditions, providing new hope for farmers, entrepreneurs and investors.

As global demand for hemp-based products continues to increase, Boko said Botswana is positioning itself to become a competitive player in this rapidly expanding agricultural sector.

"The plant can give at the lowest P50 per gram; one gram is P50. And each plant gives you up to 30 grams and even up to 50 grams, just one plant. So, when you do your planting, you can actually even start calculating how much you stand to make. And it is a reasonable amount of money; much more you can make per cob of maize. So there is a lot of value in hemp."

Around the world, hemp is used in the manufacturing of textiles, construction materials, biodegradable plastics, paper, cosmetics, food products, animal feed and health supplements.