Online Reporter
Herald Reporters
THE 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show opened on a steady note on Monday, with exhibitors settling into business as visitors trickled into the Exhibition Park in Harare to explore a wide range of agricultural, technological and commercial displays.
Running under the theme “Powering growth: Where agriculture, technology and commerce converge,” this year’s showcase is placing innovation and technology at the centre of efforts to drive the country’s agricultural sector and the wider economy.
Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to officially open the exhibition tomorrow.
ZAS vice president and chairman of the Agricultural Development and Promotion and Show Organising Committee, Professor Maxwell Mutema, said the annual event continued to grow in both scope and quality.
“It is time for Zimbabwe’s premier agricultural show again, hosted by the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS),” he said.
“This is the 116th edition of the show. As per our tradition as ZAS, each year’s edition of the show is better and bigger than the previous year as we continuously learn from the experience of each year’s show.
“For example, in the livestock section we have more entries this year than last year. Equally, we have a richer line-up of entertainment than last year, and the list goes on and on.”
On the first day, the showgrounds were already alive with music, demonstrations and conversations as exhibitors showcased agricultural machinery, livestock, food products, financial services, technology and locally manufactured goods.
Exhibitors said the opening day had been encouraging, with most expecting business and visitor numbers to increase as the week progressed.
“Things are okay so far. We have started engaging with visitors and we are optimistic that the numbers will increase as the show progresses,” said Ms Tendai Moyo, an exhibitor.
Another exhibitor, Mr Tafadzwa Ruze, said the opening day provided an opportunity to interact with potential customers.
“The response has been fair so far. People are coming through, asking questions and showing interest in our products. We expect things to become much busier in the coming days,” he said.
Mr Effort Makuni, another exhibitor, said the show remained an important platform for businesses to showcase their products.
“We are happy with how the first day has gone. It is still early, but everything is moving well and we are looking forward to more visitors,” he said.
Families also made their way to the showgrounds, with children enjoying entertainment and attractions while adults explored the latest products, innovations and business opportunities.
The livestock section was among the areas attracting interest, with different breeds and agricultural enterprises on display.
Hoja Rabbits is using the exhibition to promote rabbit farming as an alternative livestock enterprise, showcasing different breeds, including New Zealand Whites, Masangos and other varieties.
For the company, this year’s exhibition marks its first appearance at the show. “This is our first time exhibiting our rabbits at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show,” said Ms Maryland Bote.
Ms Bote said the company hoped to use the platform to equip visitors with practical knowledge about rabbit farming.
“We are expecting people to have more knowledge about rabbits, for example, what rabbits should eat and the conditions they need to live in,” she said.
The exhibition is also expected to encourage aspiring farmers to consider rabbit production as a viable livestock enterprise.
With the official opening ceremony scheduled for tomorrow, exhibitors are expecting the showgrounds to become increasingly busy as more visitors, farmers, businesses and industry players converge at the Exhibition Park.
Growing participation at Agric Show, a sign of confidence in the business platform.
A total of 640 exhibitors are participating at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS), reflecting growing confidence in the show as a platform for business, innovation and market access.
ZAS recorded a 4,4 percent increase in the number of exhibitors. Last year, 630 exhibitors who participated last year, with all exhibition halls fully subscribed.
The annual show case is running under the theme; “Powering Growth: Where Agriculture, Technology and Commerce Converge”.
ZAS chief executive, Mr Rufaro Gunundu, the show had also recorded an increase in foreign participation, with foreign exhibitors now accounting for 18 percent, up from 11 percent last year.
“New exhibitors stand at 86, representing a significant 13,4 percent of all exhibitors. This is a clear indication that there is growing interest in the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
“The increase in the number of exhibitors demonstrate the continued appeal of the show to both local and international exhibitors,” he said.
Mr Gunundu said the increase in international participation would provide visitors with an opportunity to interact with exhibitors from different markets while gaining exposure to new products, technologies and ideas.
“This growth in foreign participation brings diversity to the show and creates opportunities for knowledge sharing, business linkages and exposure to international products and innovations.”
This year’s showcase will also feature ostriches for the first time, adding another unusual attraction to the wide range of products and services on display.
“An exciting development is that we are showcasing ostriches for the first time in history,” Mr Gunundu said.
He said the exhibition had something for everyone, urging members of the public to attend the show and experience the various attractions on offer.
