El Nino Hits Bulawayo Agricultural Show: Crop and Livestock Exhibits Drop

The Bulawayo Agricultural Show has seen a considerable fall in the number of exhibits at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), due to El Nino-induced weather conditions.

Exhibits in the crop sections have been hit particularly hard. Additionally, while the number of pedigree cattle increased from 58 last year to 73 this year, the number of fast stock cattle participating in the trade show dropped.

Only three cotton crop exhibitors are present at this year’s show, compared to 17 last year and only 851 individual crops, compared to 2 401 during the 2023 show.

Seventeen farms and individual farmers are exhibiting their cattle at the show, and these include Matopos Research Station (7), Camen Brahman (5), Hlango Ranch — Brahman (6), Nkolomi — Brahman( 6), Longview Brahmans (5), Biano farm — Sentimental( 6), Mr Philip Reed — Tuli /Brahman (4), Mr Richard Chinhamo — Simbra (2), Mr Butho Dube — Brahman (6), Otan Brahmans (6), Khami Prisons — Nkone/Tuli/Holstein (6), Madobo Farm — dairy( 2), Esigodini Agricultural College — Nkone (6), and T Maidwell — Nkone (6).

Two new breeds, Simbra and dairy cattle, are exhibiting for the first time.

Bulawayo Agricultural Show administrative officer Mrs, Natalie Adlam, said a total of 58 fast stock cattle from five exhibitors, which include Bulawayo City Council owned Aisleby (20), Mr Ndumiso Sibanda (3), Fort Range (25), Mr Jairos Mahlangu (6) and Mr Thabelihle Mahlangu (6) are participating.

The figure marks a decline compared to 85 that participated under the fast stock category last year. Fast-stock cattle are those that will be auctioned during the trade show and taken to slaughter immediately after the auction.

“Crop entries are way down, which is to be expected due to the severe El Nino drought being experienced,” said Mrs Adlam.

“We have 37 commercial crop entries as compared to 75 last year, with 12 group entries down from 18 last year,” she reported.

Commercial crops are mainly those under irrigation while group entries include wood carvings, and sculptors, which also fall under the value addition products.

There are 38 sheep entries this year, down from 139 last year, although the show experienced an increase in the number of goat entries of 74 compared to 28 in 2023.

“As for poultry, the hall will be full with 156 birds on show together with 10 rabbits,” said Mrs Adlam.

It was observed yesterday that on display at the hall were fancy pigeons as well.

The trade show opened its doors to the business sector on Tuesday while members of the public will start coming today.