Online Reporter
Sione Amidu Gwanda Correspondent
THE 67th edition of the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show kicked off on Thursday, attracting at least 150 exhibitors.
The annual event, which is running under the theme “Farm to factory: Unlocking industrial growth,” ends on Saturday.
Matabeleland Show Agricultural Society president, Ms Sheron Dewa, said this year’s show will be officially opened by renowned businessman and farmer Mr Jim Ross Goddard on Saturday.
“Now that we are out of the effects of the El Niño drought, we are back to business as usual. The theme speaks to the vital links between agriculture and industry. It emphasises that agriculture is a business,” she said.
“This year we are promoting value edition, agro processing and local manufacturing, which also supports rural industrialisation.”
Ms Dewa said this year’s show attracted a 100 percent uptake of stands despite a decrease in livestock due to foot and mouth disease.
“Our show is packed with our rural farmers, as they are our best support system. Our theme supports rural industrialisation. Zimbabwe is open for business and we hope that our rural farmers will rise to the occasion and industrialise their farming,” she said.
Ms Dewa said there was a huge turnout and they were also expecting foreign exhibitors from Makhado and Mopani district municipalities from Limpopo Province in neighbouring South Africa.
“We are expecting over 150 farmers compared to last year’s figure, which was below 100. This means we have an increase this year and we give credit to our marketing and publicity team for a job well done,” said Ms Dewa.
“We have a team from South Africa’s Makhado and Mopani municipalities again this year. There are also new entries which include Cango, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Mercy Corps, Chase Textiles and Metro Peach, to name a few. The Parliament of Zimbabwe and Lupane State University also return to the show.”
