President hailed for supporting Agric Show

Felex Share Herald Reporter
THOUSANDS of Zimbabweans yesterday witnessed the official opening of the 103rd edition of the Harare Agricultural Show by President Mugabe at the Exhibition Park.
President Mugabe, who was officiating at the show for the sixth time since Independence, first toured several stands of exhibitors showcasing their products at this year’s edition running under the theme “Environmental, Entrepreneurial and Educational”.
Foreign exhibitors from Iran, Italy, Israel, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana and Zambia participated at this year’s show, which is an annual event.

President Mugabe visited the Agricultural Produce and Home Industries, Pannar and Seedco, the livestock section, Dairibord and the Alpha and Omega Dairy stand, which is owned by the First Family.

At the Agricultural Produce and Home Industries stand, President Mugabe was welcomed by exhibitors singing songs praising him for championing the land reform and the indigenisation and empowerment programmes. People attending the show jostled to catch a glimpse of the President as he made his way past various stands.

President Mugabe, who was accompanied by outgoing Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Joseph Made, had time to greet and talk to some of the show-goers.

It is the Alpha and Omega Dairy stand which attracted hordes of people as children received juices and yoghurts for free courtesy of the First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe.

Women also received milk for free.
President Mugabe’s daughter Bona dished out the products to the children and women.
After touring the exhibition stands, President Mugabe went into Glamis Stadium for the proceedings where he was welcomed by service chiefs.

Present at the event was Vice President Joice Mujuru, several Zanu-PF politburo and central committee members and European Union ambassador in the country Aldo Dell’ Ariccia.

The Prison Band, Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the Parks and Wildlife Management provided entertainment and displays.
People were also entertained by drum majorettes from schools among them Mufakose 2 High, Glen View 1 High, Zengeza High and Frank Johnson Primary.

Members of the apostolic sect were also part of the proceedings. Zimbabwe Agricultural Society president Dr Robbie Mupawose commended President Mugabe for his commitment to the exhibition event.

“During the time that you have been patron of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society, I do not recall a show that you have missed,” he said. “We recognise the attachment that you have to the Show and this is also indicated by the number of dignitaries that you have invited to officially open the Show over the years.”

He said over the last three years, there have been major changes around the Exhibition Park while exhibitions had improved.
“During the last year we have revived the Home and Garden Expo in March this year and this is an event that is destined to grow over the years,” Dr Mupawose said.

“To add value to our functions we have also introduced a Culture and Social Fair which is highlighting traditional dance, music and drama.”

He said in line with the Show Society’s theme farmers should take measures to reduce the destruction of the environment caused by fires by making fire breaks.

“We support the extensive planting of trees and this can be seen in the Exhibition Park where we are replacing exotic trees with our own magnificent indigenous trees. In a few years, they will be times of beauty,” he said.

“As a society we are actively investigating the promotion of renewable energy and we have encouraged exhibits from organisations that are oriented towards renewable energy.”

He said ZAS supported various registered charity organisations by offering them free stands. Dr Mupawose said the coming in of foreign exhibitors was an indicator that Zimbabwe was a great destination and had huge potential for growth.

He urged farmers to plan their requirements and ensure they get inputs early ahead of the forthcoming agricultural season.
“The unpredictability of our weather means that we must be prepared and plant as soon as favourable rains are received,” he said.
Outgoing Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere said the products being exhibited by indigenous Zimbabweans were pleasing.

“Their level of participation is pleasing and it shows we are in the right direction when it comes to empowering our people,” he said.
Meanwhile, some of the organisations, individuals and schools that were exhibiting at the HAS received prizes for being outstanding at their various stands.

Premier Medical Aid Society and the Zimbabwe Republic Police dominated the awards, receiving four and three different awards respectively.

Other winners included Hwange Colliery Company, the Office of the President and Cabinet’s Modernisation Department, Alpha and Omega Dairy, Prince Edward School, Zimbabwe Prison Services and Zimpost.

E-learning Solutions, Profeeds, Mhofu Primary School, PJ Erasmus and Sons also scooped prizes.