adminMarvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
PREPARATIONS for the 58th edition of the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show to be held in Gwanda next month are on course with organisers optimistic of a bigger and better event.
The annual exhibition has been set for August 13 to 15 under the theme: “Innovations that Promote Value Addition and Beneficiation”.
Matabeleland South Agricultural Show Society president, Khuzi Thendele Ncube, said all was in place for the event.
“Preparations are underway and we’re happy with the progress so far. Quite a number of exhibitors both traditional and prospective have signed up to take part at the exhibition. The response is pleasing and we expect the number of exhibitors to increase this year,” he said.
The event will be held at its traditional venue, the Gwanda Agricultural Show Grounds, which has 350 exhibition stands.
Ncube could not be drawn to disclose the space occupancy so far but said some organisations have started sprucing up their stands after making bookings.
Exhibitors pay $4 per square metre to take part in the expo.
Ncube said the theme for this year was in support with the government’s Zim-Asset policy, which emphasises value addition and beneficiation.
“We want to encourage farmers to add value to their produce rather than sell it in its raw state. When they add value to their produce, more benefits can be accrued to improve and grow their businesses and in turn promote economic growth of the country,” he said.
The show management committee would tomorrow hold a meeting to get updates from various committees on the preparations process.
“This is a premier event in the province that can’t be missed because there is a lot of interaction that will result in sealing of business deals,” Ncube said.
The annual event presents farmers with a platform to display their produce including livestock and crops to broaden their markets.
Players in the mining sector would also take part in the exhibition.
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