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Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show opens its gates next week on Monday with organisers registering 410 exhibitors with foreign exhibitors from Democratic Republic of Congo, European Union, China , South Africa and Malawi having confirmed their participation.
This year’s show which runs from August 28 to 2 September will be held under the theme “Sustained growth. Adaptation. Productivity and Linkages.”
Speaking during a press conference on the upcoming 113th Agricultural show, ZAS chief executive officer Dr Andrew Matibiri said elevated activities and spirited efforts by the stakeholders from various sectors of the economy are pointing towards a successful agricultural season.
The society is expecting over 250 000 visitors with plans to grow the show to around 350 000 visitors.
In addition the business hub receives over 1,8million visitors making it one of the busiest business hubs in the country.
Dr Matibiri said safety measures have been put in place to ensure a smooth flow of the event. “The preparations for the 113th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show are exciting as they are heightened this year by an improved economic enthusiasm buttressed on a most successful agricultural season,” he said.
“Great emphasis has been put on safety and security of both exhibitors and visitors to the extent that wider and more modern closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed in addition to the drones, installation of gate turnstiles and ticketing systems to ensure improved convenience.”
An array of business interfaces has been lined up to provide executives, captains of industry and Government officials an opportunity to meet, network and discuss important national value chain issues from seed to food.
The official opening is planned for Friday 1 September when the prizes are awarded.
Show sections such as agricultural produce section, livestock, tobacco, cotton and home industries will be also available.
The brands parade is open to all exhibitors and sponsors from Simon Muzenda Street to the Business Hub and will be held on Monday.
In partnership with Mwana Group , the ZAS has organised a high school’s rugby tournament , dubbed the Presidents Schools Rugby Cup with 12 participating teams run from Monday 28 to Friday 1.
The arena events include a programme for musicians and fireworks on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, parachute dives, mass displays, horse riding, a school rugby tournament and many other exciting displays to entertain the crowd.
Motor vehicle movement will not be allowed in the park during the show and secure parking will be made available in close proximity to the Business Hub.
Farmers this year are optimistic that this year’s agricultural show will be better than the previous years adding that they will be given an opportunity to demonstrate and prove their mantle in the sector.
Mrs Munoda Murape of Glen view 1 indicated that most farmers are into crop production, piggery and poultry production adding that this year’s agriculture show, they expect the farmers to bring such produce and demonstrate its usefulness to the majority of people.
“Farmers are doing amazing things out there but bringing such initiatives will definitely motivate other people thereby uplifting the sector if more farmers are tempted to join such productive initiatives,”she said.
Another farmer Ms Pauline Mawire of Waterfalls indicated that her main expectation is to network with various stakeholders in the agricultural industry to improve efficiency.
“Through the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show farmers also want to know what the market wants in terms of the commodities, quality and volumes which should then lead to farmers signing the agreements with suppliers and the market,”she said.
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show is a key event on our national agricultural calender showcasing the remarkable talents , innovations and resilience to farmers, agribusinesses and agricultural stakeholders.
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