Zim Agric Show ends on a high note

Theseus Shambare

THE Zimbabwe Agricultural Show ended on a high note yesterday, with the 113th edition attracting 520 exhibitors, a 15 percent increase from 450 last year.

Running under the theme “Sustained growth, adaptation, productivity and linkages”, this year’s edition came back in full swing, following a two-year period that was marked by Covid-19-necessitated restrictions that saw a reduction in exhibitions and public attendance.

Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) president Mr Ngoni Kudenga said this year’s edition of the showcase defied market expectations.

“Space that was taken up during this year’s show was over 74 000 square metres, while the number of exhibitors increased to over 520 this year from about 450 last year.

“It points to increased confidence in the show,” he said.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka described the quality of exhibitions as an indication of Government’s commitment to increasing food security.

“As you have seen for yourselves, there has been a high level in terms of the quality of products and services exhibited during this year’s show, a sign that Government’s interventions in agriculture are bearing desired targets,” said Dr Masuka.

The awards presentation ceremony for the 113th edition created a platform for assessing exhibitors’ commitment to quality products and services. Exhibitors who were presented with awards in the agriculture sector and best stand categories described this year’s show as a huge success.

Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) head of corporate communications and marketing Mrs Tsungi Manyeza said the road authority used the showcase to teach and reward compliant motorists.

“As we look forward to a world class nation with state-of-the-art infrastructure, Zinara has moved towards rewarding compliant motorists at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.

“Previously, we used to give waivers to defaulters, but it seemed like we are discouraging people from paying for their licence,” she said.

Strategic exhibitors that work closely with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development pledged their commitment to a successful agricultural season.

“We have started distribution of inputs, and here we were showing the President the processes that farmers go through,” said CBZ Agro managing director Mr Walter Chigodora.

ZFC Limited managing director Dr Richard Dafana said: “We are determined to satisfy the market, and we started distributing fertiliser a few months ago.

“We believe we will meet the demand this season.”

Notable categories for the prize-giving ceremony included “Best Pfumvudza/Intwasa Farmer”, “Best Overall Tobacco Grower”, and those outstanding in the fields of Quality Displays in Value Addition, Sustainable Conservation Practices, Agro Processing, Best Cotton Growers, and Livestock.

Government departments, State enterprises, local authorities, financial institutions and tourism players were also honoured for their efforts.

Fireworks and performances by the army and prison band were the other key highlights.

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