Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE Makoni Agricultural Show continues to grow in leaps and bounds to be a standard business exhibition platform, migrating from being a meeting of peasant farmers, and this year it will run for three days.
The show is now being run by a committee made up of members from the private sector, while Agritex is involved in mobilising small-scale farmers.
The migration seems to be paying dividends as this year’s show will run from September 3 to 7, which is distinct from other district shows which run on a single day.
The show society vice-chairperson and Agritex representative, Mr Mahlupeko Chowafa, said they set aside a day for official ceremonies on September 5, and family day on September 6.
He added that small-scale farmers will exhibit at Makoni 602 Hall, while companies will be housed at the adjacent Vengere Stadium.
“Preparations for the 2025 Makoni Agricultural Show is now at an advanced stage. Just like last year, we are expecting allexhibition spaces to be filled.
“We have a diverse range of exhibitors, comprising of seed companies, banks and financial institutions, hardwares, insurance and life assurance firms, local authorities, Government departments, parastatals, and security forces among others. Livestock exhibition which is a favourite of many will also be the there.
“Our exhibitors will start pitching at their stands on September 3, and September 4 is reserved for judging the stands. We will be having 100 farmers from across the
district, and we are expecting not less than 30 companies. The show will be officially opened by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands,
Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri on September 5, which is the official day.
“Our draw card in terms of entertainment is Jah Signal who will perform on Saturday,
September 6, which is the family day. He will be supported by disc jockeys. We have approached both Rusape Town Council and Makoni Rural District Council for land to establish our own stand-alone showground so that we shift from the stadium. They all have been forthcoming as they are working on the issue,” said Mr Chowafa.
He added that the improved agricultural activity propelled by contract farming, joint ventures and stable economic environment has contributed to the growth of the show which has attracted the private sector to partner Agritex in revamping the exhibition.
“The show has grown from strength to strength because of the improved agricultural activity and business environment in the district, and of course in the country.
We are the breadbasket of the province, and one of the leading producers of tobacco in the country, so we are providing a platform for our farmers to showcase their expertise and also interact with service providers.
“We had a successful 2024/25 season, and most farmers recorded bumper harvests, and we are expecting high quality exhibitions form farmers and businesses,” said Mr Chowafa.
