Quarantined areas cattle banned from Mat South Agric show

Marvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
FARMERS from approved zones only will showcase their cattle at the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show this week as part of measures to control the spread of foot and mouth outbreak, an official has said. The Department of Veterinary Services banned cattle movements in affected areas to prevent the spread of the disease.

The show spokesperson Mvelo Zondo said cattle farmers from quarantined areas would not exhibit at this year’s expo.

“The Department of Veterinary Services has said it’ll only allow cattle movements from Bulilima, Mangwe, Matobo South and Gwanda South. Cattle farmers from other parts namely Insiza, Beitbridge, Umzingwane and Gwanda North will not take part because these are the most affected areas,” he said.

Zondo said the herd that will be exhibited will be auctioned at the end of the show and be taken for direct slaughter.

“We invite buyers especially butchers to come in their numbers,” he said.

Zondo said animals that would be showcased include cattle, goats, pigs, chickens, guinea fowls and rabbits.

“The showcase will allow farmers to have exchange of knowledge on how to produce quality breeds and also get expertise from departments such as the Livestock Production and Development (LPD) and Agritex,” he said.

Zondo said this year’s show would be the biggest and best with several new players having confirmed participation.

Dabane Trust, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), Nicoz Diamond, Standard Development Fund, Self Help Development Foundation, Southern Express Assy Lab, Telecel and Topic Funeral Services are among the first time exhibitors while CMED, ZB Bank and POSB were returning exhibitors who have been absent in the past few years.

Fast foods chain, Innscor, which opened outlets in Gwanda Town recently, would for the first time provide Chicken Inn and Creamy Inn outlets at the show.

“All the indoor stands have been taken up with 80 percent of the space covered. We still have some remaining space and we invite those wishing to take part not to miss this opportunity,” Zondo said.

Lots of entertainment would be provided by drum majorettes and music artistes.

The annual show will run from August 13 to 15 under the theme “Innovations that Promote Value Addition and Beneficiation”.

The show will be held at its traditional venue, the Gwanda Agricultural Showgrounds.