Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE Makoni Agricultural Show continue to grow from strength to strength with this year witnessing more than 55 exhibitors being registered, marking a significant increase from the 33 exhibitors who participated in last year’s event.
The annual agricultural showcase kicked off yesterday (Thursday) at Vengere Stadium, with organisers expecting the increased participation to enhance business linkages, knowledge sharing and the promotion of agricultural products and innovations in Makoni District.
The growth in the number of exhibitors comes as the district continues to position agriculture as a key driver of local economic development, with farmers, agribusinesses and other stakeholders expected to showcase their products and services during the event.
Skills Audit and Development Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere is expected to officially open the show today (Friday), and tomorrow (Saturday) is reserved for entertainment to be provided by gospel artiste, Dorcas Moyo, Templeman, Selecta Tanaman, Ricky Fire and others.
The society’s chairperson, Mrs Annah Hlahla, said the exhibition has now grown into full-fledged business expo and they are pushing the local authorities Makoni Rural District Council and Rusape Town Council for a place to set a permanent exhibition park.
“As of Wednesday afternoon, we had 55 confirmed commercial exhibitors. There are also 65 small-scale farmers drawn from all corners of Makoni District. We have registered an increase in exhibitors as last year we had 33. The exhibitors are drawn from all sectors of the economy such as financial services, agro-dealers, implement manufactures, seed and fertilisers companies, education and others.
“There will also be livestock exhibitions. There are lot of prizes to be won by top exhibitors. The show has been registering impressive growth for the past five years. The event is also expected to promote the adoption of modern farming practices and encourage farmers to increase productivity in line with the country’s agricultural development agenda,” she said.
