Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
MASHONALAND West is gearing up for a busy agricultural exhibition season, with preparations for the province’s flagship agricultural shows in Chinhoyi and Kadoma now at an advanced stage, as organisers seek to promote innovation, investment and modern farming.
The 102nd Mashonaland West Agricultural Show in Chinhoyi has been extended from four to six days, while the Kadoma Agricultural Show is set to make a full comeback after a four-year hiatus due to legal disputes.
The Harare High Court recently resolved the legal wrangle over the Kadoma Agricultural Show, paving the way for the appointment of a new committee to oversee its revival.
Mashonaland West Agricultural Show Society chairman Mr Godfrey Mavankeni said the Chinhoyi show will now run from August 3 to 8 at the Mashonaland West Showgrounds, instead of the initially scheduled August 5 to 8, with more than 120 exhibitors expected.
He said the extended programme reflects the event’s growth from a traditional agricultural exhibition into a major provincial trade fair bringing together farmers, businesses, innovators, educational institutions, Government departments and investors.
“There has been tremendous growth in the show, hence the decision to extend it to six days. We are positioning it as a provincial trade fair that promotes innovation, investment and business development,” said Mr Mavankeni.
This year’s show, to be held under the theme “Research, Innovate, Modernise” will feature traditional crop and livestock exhibitions alongside new attractions, including the Mashonaland West High Schools Quiz Competition, Schools Drum Majorettes Competition, Innovators Forum, Provincial SMEs Stakeholders Conference, Agribusiness Conference and a Stakeholders’ Cocktail.
The Innovators Forum is expected to provide a platform for young inventors, entrepreneurs and technology developers to showcase research-driven solutions aimed at improving agricultural productivity and accelerating industrial growth in the province.
The society is also considering renaming the event in future to reflect its expanded role as a provincial trade and investment exhibition.
Meanwhile, Kadoma Agricultural Show Society president Mr Marko Kondanani confirmed that preparations were gathering momentum for the return of the Kadoma Agricultural Show, scheduled for September 24 to 26 under the theme “113 Years in Agriculture: Sowing Seeds and Sowing Hope.”
The event returns after a High Court ruling resolved a legal dispute that had affected the society since 2022.
“The courts have now settled the matter that affected us for the past four years. That cloud is gone. We can now focus 100 percent on delivering a world-class agricultural show for Kadoma,” said Mr Kondanani.
He said organisers were already engaging exhibitors, agricultural input suppliers, financial institutions and Government departments ahead of the exhibition.
“We are excited and energised. This September, Kadoma will once again host one of the province’s biggest agricultural exhibitions,” he said.
“The show remains an important platform for farmers to showcase their produce, embrace new technologies and build partnerships that strengthen agricultural production.”
Newly-elected Kadoma Show Society chairman, Mr Patson Madera, said all was in place for the show that would complement the Chinhoyi exhibition by widening opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses across the province.
“The agricultural shows provide critical platforms for technology transfer, knowledge sharing and market linkages,” he said.
“Farmers can interact directly with researchers, extension officers, financial institutions and equipment suppliers, while investors get an opportunity to appreciate the vast agricultural potential that exists in Sanyati district.”
A target of at least 60 exhibitors has been set as the society works to regain confidence from the stakeholders and companies.
Exhibitions at Kadoma, he said, were expected to promote climate-smart agriculture, mechanisation and value addition, key pillars in improving productivity and supporting the country’s drive towards food security and agro-industrialisation.
Various entertainment activities, including live performances by renowned musicians, are expected.
