Online Reporter
Herald Reporters
THE Zimbabwe Agricultural Show opened on a steady note yesterday, 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 on Thursday.
Speaking yesterday, 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.”
While activity was yet to reach full capacity on the opening 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 progresses.
“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 Thursday, exhibitors are expecting the showgrounds to become increasingly busy as more visitors, farmers, businesses and industry players converge at Exhibition Park.
