Online Reporter
Sione Amidu, Gwanda Correspondent
THE 67th edition of the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show kicked off in Gwanda yesterday, attracting at least 150 exhibitors in what organisers say is one of the biggest turnouts in recent years.
Running under the theme “Farm to Factory: Unlocking Industrial Growth,” the three-day event will close tomorrow with a high-profile official opening ceremony to be presided over by businessman and farmer Mr Jim Ross Goddard.
Show society president Ms Sheron Dewa said the event is bouncing back with renewed energy following last season’s devastating El Niño-induced drought, which disrupted agricultural production across the province.
“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’s show has placed particular emphasis on value addition, agro-processing, and local manufacturing, areas Ms Dewa said are key to driving rural industrialisation and ensuring farmers move up the value chain.
Despite a reduction in livestock exhibits caused by recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, all exhibition stands have been taken up, reflecting strong interest from both local and regional players.
“Our show is packed with rural farmers, as they are our best support system. Zimbabwe is open for business and we hope that our rural farmers will rise to the occasion and industrialise their farming,” said Ms Dewa.
The show has also seen growing international participation, with exhibitors from Makhado and Mopani district municipalities in Limpopo Province, South Africa, joining once again this year.
“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.
New exhibitors include Kango, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Mercy Corps, Chase Textiles and Metro Peach while returning participants such as the Parliament of Zimbabwe and Lupane State University are also on board.
The Matabeleland South Agricultural Show, first held in 1957, has over the decades grown into a key platform for showcasing innovation in farming, livestock, agro-processing and rural entrepreneurship while also offering farmers opportunities to network with buyers, investors and policy makers.
