Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
GOVERNMENT’S drive to transform agriculture into a key pillar of economic growth has seen the decentralisation of agricultural exhibitions to grassroots level, with farmers being exposed to innovation, technology and value addition opportunities.
In Matabeleland South, ward, zone, cluster and district agricultural expos, shows and seed fairs have been in-troduced ahead of the provincial agricultural exhibition, creating platforms for smallholder farmers to show-case their produce and improve production standards.
This year’s Matabeleland South Agricultural Show will be held from 20 to 22 August under the theme “Unlocking new opportunities through collaboration”.
Provincial Agricultural Development and Advisory Services (Adas) director Mrs Shupikai Sibanda said agricultural shows have become a critical tool in driving industrialisation, innovation and inclusive growth as the province works towards food security and economic resilience.
She said taking exhibitions to communities was helping change the mindset of farmers by encouraging them to focus on quality, innovation and maximising returns from their produce.
“We want farmers to grow beyond the field. We don’t want them to just produce for the sake of feeding their families or selling their produce in their neighbourhood. We want even the smallest farmer to think quality, innovation and maximising their produce, be it agricultural products or livestock.
“That’s why we are exposing farmers through these agricultural shows that we are holding from grassroots level,” said Mrs Sibanda.
She said agriculture remains central to the attainment of Vision 2030, with growth in the sector expected to empower communities, create employment and open up new opportunities.
Mrs Sibanda said grassroots exhibitions have become a feeder system for the provincial show, ensuring that smallholder farmers who may not be able to travel to the provincial event are also included.
“Ward and district expos bring healthy farmer competition, markets and learning to the community. Women, youth and small enterprises are using the platform to showcase vegetables, honey, baked goods, poultry and value-added products.
“Farmers test their products against neighbours first. This builds confidence and raises quality before anyone steps onto the main provincial arena,” she said.
She said the exhibitions have also helped farmers improve grading, packaging and presentation of their products to meet market standards.
Beyond showcasing produce, Mrs Sibanda said the mini exhibitions serve as learning platforms where farmers interact with modern technologies such as drones, tractors, solar dryers and hermetic storage facilities.
Farmers also gain access to information on funding opportunities, Government programmes and value addition initiatives.
“Agricultural shows, seed and food fairs, business expos in Matabeleland South are changing. The action is no longer only waiting for the big provincial stage.
“Grassroots shows aim to empower communities, promote innovation in agriculture, create markets and opportunities and build a resilient and food-secure provincial economy,” she said.
Ntalale-based farmer Mrs Sehlule Moyo said grassroots agricultural exhibitions had transformed her under-standing of farming by highlighting the importance of quality and value addition.
She said farmers in communal areas previously viewed provincial exhibitions as events reserved for commercial farmers, but the decentralised approach had encouraged them to improve their standards.
“In the past we knew that these expos were only held at provincial level and being a communal farmer I thought I didn’t qualify, therefore focusing on quality did not matter to me.
“Now I know that even though I’m based in Ntalale my produce can go as far as Harare and therefore I have to ensure what comes out is exceptional,” she said.
