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Mangaliso Lawrence Kabulika
IN what easily qualifies for a noteworthy milestone in agricultural production, livestock farmers from Matabeleland South are this year exhibiting at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS), marking the inaugural involvement of farmers from that region in this imposing event since the implementation of the land reform programme.
ZAS livestock section chairman and executive council member Mr Crispen Kadiramwando said after the roll out of the land reform programme, only farmers from areas surrounding Harare exhibited at the show and no one from Matabeleland South had ever participated in it. A lot of farmers from Esigodini are now participating at the show.
“All in all we have 25 livestock exhibitors this year. There are 84 cattle and 92 goats and sheep, beating the livestock record from last year. We only have a little drop in numbers for the poultry and rabbit sections but the animals that were brought for the competition are of high quality and value,” Mr Kadiramwando went on to comment.
Judging the livestock in search of winners was scheduled for yesterday with judges from South Africa expected to preside over the competition to select the best producers for the various livestock categories. There were different prizes awaiting the winning farmers.
“A lot of farmers are being disqualified for bringing livestock they have bought from elsewhere to exhibit, which is against the competition’s rules,” he said.
Additionally, Mr Kadiramwando highlighted that the decision to bring in foreign judges was meant to tackle the challenge of biased arbitrating that would compromise the transparency of the process.
“No banner will be raised at the livestock section and farmers will be required to put on ZAS t-shirts so that judges cannot identify them by name. Winners will be awarded with trophies,” he said.
Mr Kadiramwando further explained that this year’s livestock turnout showed inclusivity and was not just focussing on farmers from one particular region.
“This turnout shows that we have now gone countrywide to incorporate all farmers regardless of tribe or race. It also shows that we do not only have the best livestock in Harare but also in Matabeleland and all over the country. As long as an opportunity like this has been opened for them they should come and showcase,” observed Mr Kadiramwando.
He went further to comment the farmers’ gesture saying farmers could only work together in sharing ideas and knowledge to increase livestock quantities as a country. Mr Kadiramwando said the unity and professionalism being displayed at the show was one of the reasons new exhibitors were coming from across the country.
The Zimbabwe agricultural show commenced in Harare on August 28 and is ending on September 3, 2023.
Online Reporter