Mat South Agric Show kicks off

Marvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
THE 56th edition of the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show kicks off today in Gwanda Town with about 70 exhibitors drawn from different parts of the country expected to showcase their products.When Business Chronicle visited the show grounds yesterday morning, there was a hive of activity as exhibitors were busy preparing their stands.

Some organisations were seen delivering products to be displayed while others were yet to do so during the course of the day. Exhibitors were sprucing up the appearance of their stands although there was no activity taking place on some stands. Some organisations were pitching up tents which they will use to exhibit their products.

Exhibitors said the delays in the preparation for the show had been a result of the election period. However, most of them said despite the delays, they were optimistic of a bigger and better show this year. There was a lot of progress at the department of Agricultural Extension Services as various crops planted some weeks back including wheat, maize and vegetables were in a good condition of being showcased and gave the show grounds a colourful appearance.

This year the livestock section would be one of the main attractions at the show as farmers had managed to sustain their cattle through various drought mitigation programmes such as feedlots.

Animals to be exhibited at the show were expected to be delivered by end of day yesterday.
The Matabeleland South provincial livestock specialist Mr Mario Hatitye Muchemwa said livestock farmers from all corners of the province had confirmed participation.

“As at last week, we had recorded a total of 55 cattle and 100 goats that were expected to come for the show. We are going to showcase livestock such as feeder steers, bulls, cows, indigenous oxen, rabbits and chickens, both broilers and indigenous ones.

“This year we have raised the standard of exhibits because there will be two different categories, we will have livestock for the show as well as fattened animals. The animals will be judged according to their classes,” he said.

Mr Muchemwa said farmers would be awarded with certificates. He encouraged farmers to come in their large numbers so as to gain more experience on issues to do with livestock.

“We are inviting farmers to visit our stand for advice because we will be having livestock experts,” said Mr Muchemwa.
The show, which ends on Saturday, is running under the theme “Promoting Innovations that work”.

The show society president Mr Misheck Ndlovu said the official opening would be on Saturday.
“Prominent businessman, the president of the Construction Industry of Zimbabwe, who is also the past president of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce, Mr Obert Sibanda will officially open the show. We encourage people from various parts of the country to come in large numbers,” he said.

Mr Ndlovu also said lots of entertainment had been lined up for the show.
All the 58 stands had been taken up and additional exhibitors will be housed in tents.