However, CRA Director-General, Dr. Ketulo Salipira told Zodiak Online that they expect the number to increase once the rain starts as a majority are hoping to depend on rain-fed while others are setting up irrigation facilities.

"We issued 69 licenses but only four are growing the crop now using irrigation farming. Once the rain begins the numbers are likely to increase," he said.

Dr. Salipira was however noncommittal on the volumes of the crop this season, claiming it will be known once a majority of the companies have also rolled out their activities.

An economic expert, Milward Tobias has tipped licensed companies and cooperatives to swiftly work on developing irrigation facilities as cannabis has the potential to boost the country's revenue base.

"The crop will boost our economy as there are markets already. Licensed companies and cooperatives need to enhance the development of irrigation facilities," he said.

According to CRA, four companies that have so far started growing the crop are Mchinji Cannabis Cooperatives, Invegrow Limited, CPG Investments, and Women of Vision.