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Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
Small-scale farmers and other local exhibitors participating in this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show have impressive displays, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga said yesterday.
He made the observation while touring exhibitors’ stands including the livestock section, Kutsaga Research, Zimplats, Mimosa and several Government ministries and departments.
He said small-scale farmers who were showcasing their produce at the show including maize, vegetables and traditional grains were doing well.
At the Kutsaga Research stand, the chief executive officer Dr Frank Magama briefed the Vice President on the tobacco research station’s innovativeness in coming up with environmentally friendly tobacco curing methods.
Dr Chiwenga urged the research body to continue innovating in its operations.
“There is great improvement in innovations. This is good. Keep on doing the good work as this is important for our country,” he said.
Kutsaga is the biggest supplier of tobacco seedlings to different countries in the region and it has also introduced tobacco climate-smart varieties.
In the livestock section, farmers were showcasing different types of breeds.
The second day of the show proceeded well, with larger numbers of people flocking to the Exhibition Park compared to the first day, Monday.
In addition to local exhibitors, foreign participants from India, South Africa, Zambia, Pakistan, Eswatini, Japan, Russia, Mozambique, China, Malawi and Tanzania are also participating in the premier event.
Agricultural shows have shaped the role of farming in the economy. This has been achieved through new farming production techniques, facilitation of the adoption of advanced technology and spearheading initiatives to enhance productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
The shows, which start from the district, provincial and national levels attract thousands of visitors from across the country and beyond, providing valuable opportunities for farmers, agribusiness and industry stakeholders to connect, share knowledge and explore new opportunities.
This year’s edition of ZAS is running under the theme “Cultivating Prosperity: Growing Business. Innovating for Change. Nurturing Our Future”.
The show offers unique business and networking opportunities through exhibitions and conferences.
Zimbabwe Agriculture Society (ZAS) president Mr Ngoni Kudenga said despite the drought this year, some farmers realised meaningful harvests adding that the show was never affected.
“Given the poor rainfall pattern experienced last year, the outcomes from different regions of the country varied. The common factor was that the season was characterised by a poor rainfall pattern. This was brought about by the effects of climate change. Despite the severe drought experienced the show remains as good as ever. The agricultural produce section has exhibitors drawn from all areas of Zimbabwe and with all produce on display,” he said.
Mr Kudenga said the tobacco and cotton sectors remain stable with excellent produce on exhibition.
The livestock section has shown credible growth with over 140 beef and dairy cattle on show this year compared to less than 84 last year. Small livestock such as sheep, goats and poultry are also on display.
About 554 exhibitors have taken up the entire space of 78 224 square metres representing a significant increase from the previous year which had 525 exhibitors.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu