adminPatrick Chitumba in Hwange
THE 9th edition of the Whange District Agricultural Show ended here yesterday with a call for the revitalisation of the agricultural sector.
The annual showcase started last Friday at the No 2 show grounds and there were 30 exhibitors. In a speech read on his behalf by the Hwange Colliery Company, (HCC) Metallurgical Services Manager, Mr Bongani Ndlovu at the official opening ceremony, guest of honour and acting managing director, Mr Jemister Chininga said agriculture remained the backbone of the Zimbabwe’s economy.
“Let me point out that the revival of the economy would largely depend on how fast we succeed to revitalise agriculture as a lead sector of the economy. I would also like to indicate that the Government is implementing policy measures to facilitate rapid growth of the agricultural and mining sectors,” he said.
Mr Chininga bemoaned reduced livestock at this year’s exhibition.
“It is sad though, to note that livestock is not prominent at this show, though Matabeleland is in region five, which is good for cattle, goats, and sheep rearing. I sincerely hope and trust that next year livestock from throughout out the province will be on exhibition. Farmers should be encouraged to rear cattle in order to rebuild the national herd,” he said.
Mr Chininga said in their bid to build the national herd, farmers should adopt proper methods of breeding such as the use of quality bulls.
In his welcome remarks, the Whange Agricultural Show chairperson, Mr Herbert Sansole paid tribute to Hwange Colliery Company and Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) for their efforts in sprucing up the showgrounds. Mr Sansole challenged new mining players like Makomo Resources to also participate in community programmes.
“We are working hard to ensure that this show regains its yesteryear status when it used to attract many companies, ” said Mr Sansole.
HCC installed a new perimeter fence around the show grounds, while ZPC has pledged to renovate the farmers’ produce hall ahead of the 2014 edition.
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo