Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
THE 102nd Mashonaland West Provincial Agricultural Show got underway on Monday at Chinhoyi Showgrounds, with Botswana’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Mrs Sarah Sithabile Molosiwa, expected to officially open the six-day event later this week.
Ambassador Molosiwa is also accredited as Botswana’s High Commissioner to Malawi.
Mashonaland West Agricultural Show Society chairman Mr Godfrey Mavhankeni confirmed the development, saying more than 100 exhibitors had already taken up exhibition space at this year’s showcase.
Running under the theme, “Research, Innovate, Modernise,” the show seeks to transform the annual agricultural exhibition into a provincial trade fair showcasing agriculture, industry, commerce, technology and investment.
Mr Mavhankeni said the theme aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030 by promoting value addition, agro-industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.
He said this year’s edition has adopted an expanded trade fair concept that will feature stronger business networking, innovation displays, increased participation by small and medium enterprises and industry, as well as engagement with international exhibitors alongside the traditional agricultural exhibitions.
“We encourage farmers to embrace climate-smart agriculture, innovation and value addition,” he said.
“The Show will connect them with markets, financiers, input suppliers, technology providers and new business opportunities.”
Mr Mavhankeni said Mashonaland West’s continued leadership in maize production was a significant achievement that deserved recognition.
“The Show will celebrate this success while encouraging diversification, agro-processing and commercialisation to maximise returns from agricultural production,” he said.
“We are also engaging regional ambassadors and expect international exhibitors, supporting our transition to a regional trade and investment platform.”
To broaden the event’s appeal, organisers have introduced two new activities to this year’s programme.
“Firstly, there is going to be a Research and Innovation Symposium to be hosted together with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education,” said Mr Mavhankeni.
“There is also going to be the Minister of State’s Engagement Dinner with the Business Community.”
Exhibitors who spoke to Zimpapers expressed satisfaction with the level of organisation, saying the extension of the show from the traditional four days to six days would provide more opportunities for networking, business engagements and market exposure.
In previous years, the provincial agricultural show was held over four days, with exhibitors and visitors calling for a longer programme to allow more time for exhibitions, business interactions and public participation.
