daniel chigunwe
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
LOCAL seed companies are targeting lucrative markets in Botswana and Namibia, with the just-ended 102nd Mashonaland West Agricultural Show providing a platform to explore new export opportunities and strengthen regional agricultural cooperation.
The participation of senior government officials from Botswana and Namibia at the annual agricultural showcase in Chinhoyi has opened avenues for increased trade, investment, technology transfer and skills exchange between Mashonaland West Province and the two countries.
The agricultural show ran from last Monday and ended on Saturday.
Seed producers said they were encouraged by the interest shown by farmers from Botswana and Namibia in local seed varieties, particularly drought-tolerant and short-season crops suited to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
Zadzamatura senior agronomist Mr Blessing Hatidane said the company’s participation in regional engagements was part of efforts to position Zimbabwean seed products for export markets.
“The participation of Botswana and Namibia broadens market access for our agricultural products,” he said.
Agricos senior agronomist Mr Mayor Mushati said the company was also exploring opportunities to expand into Botswana and Namibia.
“With forecasts pointing to another dry season, we are encouraging farmers to invest in pasture production to ensure adequate feed for livestock,” he said.
“We are exploring taking our seeds to Botswana and Namibia.”
The push into the two markets comes as Mashonaland West strengthens existing regional partnerships, including cooperation with Namibia’s Kavango East Region.
The region’s Governor Mr Julius Hamunyeara said they were keen to deepen collaboration with Mashonaland West through agricultural skills transfer and technology exchange.
“We are committed to strengthening cooperation through skills transfer, lecturer and student exchange programmes with Gwebi Agricultural College, as well as sharing modern farming technologies,” he said.
The Namibian delegation also expressed interest in partnering with Geo Pomona to establish waste management plants in Rundu and Divundu, highlighting opportunities for cooperation beyond agriculture.
Botswana Ambassador to Zimbabwe and Malawi, Sarah Sithabile Molosiwa, said stronger regional cooperation would help improve food security and unlock greater economic opportunities.
“Regional cooperation is the foundation of sustainable development. Botswana has a lot to learn from Zimbabwe’s agricultural expertise, and through collaboration we can strengthen food security, improve production and unlock greater trade opportunities for our two countries,” she said.
The regional engagements were showcased at this year’s Mashonaland West Agricultural Show, which attracted a record 157 exhibitors, up from 120 last year, reflecting growing interest in the event as a platform for business networking, investment and commercial partnerships.
Chinhoyi University of Technology public relations manager Dr Shadreck Nembaware said the institution was exhibiting agro-processing innovations developed under the Education 5.0 philosophy.
“Chinhoyi University of Technology is exhibiting agro-processing innovations developed under the Education 5.0 philosophy. We are demonstrating how research and innovation can transform agricultural produce into value-added products that create jobs and industrial growth,” he said.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo said the growing regional engagement reflected the success of Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement policy.
Online Reporter