Whange Agric Show records increased number of exhibitors

Patrick Chitumba Victoria Falls Reporter
THE 9th edition of the Whange District Agricultural Show saw a slight upsurge in the number of exhibitors this year, show chairperson, Mr Herbert Sansole said. The annual showcase started last Friday at the No 2 showgrounds and there were 30 exhibitors up from 26 that exhibited last year.

In an interview at the end of the show on Sunday, Mr Sansole said he was optimistic that the show was destined to grow in the coming years as evidenced by the huge number of inquiries they had received from a number of companies.

“We had 30 exhibitors this year as compared to 26 who exhibited last year. Those exhibiting for the first time were Lupane State University, Croco Motors, Makomo Resources and Forestry Commission and we are optimistic that we will have more exhibitors next year,” said Mr Sansole.

He said a number of companies especially those in the tourism industry could not participate at the show as they had dedicated all their resources to the just-ended 20th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly which ran from 24 to 29 August in Victoria Falls and Livingstone.

“The UNWTO general assembly in a way disrupted our preparations but we are grateful with the number of exhibitors who participated.
“For example TelOne could not exhibit this time because of the commitments they had before and during the general assembly,” said Mr Sansole.

He said shortages of funds also hindered the exhibition of cattle under the livestock category.
“We ended up having only pigs, goats and sheep because of challenges to do with finance.

“Next year it will be bigger as we will incorporate the tourism sector. Now that some mining companies are exhibiting we also want tourism to be the main attraction at the future shows,” said Mr Sansole.

This year’s exhibitors included Agribank, National Social Security Authority (NASSA), Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), Forestry Commission, Environment Management Authority (EMA), Grain Marketing Board (GMB), Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Makomo Resources, Hwange Local Board and Ministry of Youth, Indigenisation and Employment Creation and Hwange Colliery Company among others.