Online Reporter
Elita Chikwati-Agriculture News Editor
THE 115th edition of the country’s premier platform for showcasing agricultural achievements, innovation and economic opportunities — the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show — is set to begin tomorrow in Harare.
This year’s show, which runs until Saturday, is made all the more significant by the huge milestones recorded in the sector, particularly the record tobacco and wheat harvests.
In the just-ended marketing season, farmers delivered more than 354 million kilogrammes of tobacco, earning over US$1,2 billion and shattering production records. This also represented a sharp rise from 296 million kilogrammes in the El Niño-affected 2022/2023 season and 231,8 million kilogrammes in 2021/2022. The industry is now targeting to produce 400 million kilogrammes annually by 2030.
In the wheat sector, Zimbabwe has achieved self-sufficiency for the third consecutive year, under the Government’s Agriculture Recovery Plan.
The authorities are now considering wheat exports as production continues to outstrip local demand.
Progress has also been registered in maize, blueberries and milk output.
Mr Kudenga
While agriculture has always been at the heart of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, which is organised and hosted by the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS), the event has in recent years expanded into a critical platform for policy dialogue, business networking and innovation.
Conferences held during the show week have become a cornerstone of the calendar, drawing captains of industry, policymakers and investors to deliberate on strategies for growth, competitiveness and sustainability.
ZAS chief executive officer Mr Rufaro Gunundu said the show plays an essential role in promoting innovation and aligning agricultural programmes with national priorities.
“The society is also an important partner in advancing Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation agenda,” he said. “We contribute by aligning our programmes with Government priorities under the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy. “Key initiatives include promoting mechanisation and technology adoption, fostering public-private partnerships and ensuring inclusive participation of women and youth in agriculture.”
ZAS, he said, supports both smallholder and commercial farmers by facilitating access to markets, financial institutions, training and new technologies. The society also prioritises supporting value chain development, hosting knowledge-exchange platforms such as the Agribusiness Conference and providing spaces for showcasing best practices and innovations that drive productivity and export competitiveness.
“ZAS also recognises that smallholder and commercial farmers face different realities, yet both are critical to national food security and economic growth,” he added.
“For smallholders, the society focuses on access to extension services, input support linkages, training and market access.
“For commercial farmers, the society provides high-level networking platforms, access to cutting-edge technologies and forums for policy dialogue and investment attraction.
“By curating inclusive exhibitions, facilitating access to financial institutions and showcasing innovations, ZAS ensures that both smallholder and commercial farmers benefit meaningfully from its platforms.”
ZAS is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year.
Dr Mupawose
Over its history, it has hosted royalty, presidents and cultural icons, with the show growing in both scale and international appeal.
Exhibitor participation has surged in recent years. In 2023, the exhibition attracted five international exhibitors, a figure that more than doubled to 13 this year. Among the new initiatives is the International Backsplit, a structured engagement platform connecting local exhibitors with international participants to encourage cross-border collaboration, technology transfer and new market access.
This year, the calendar events include the inaugural ZAS Golf Tournament, which was held on Friday; the Agribusiness Conference on Wednesday; the annual ZAS School Quiz; the Environmental Social and Governance Conference; and the Research for Agricultural Excellences and Technology Indaba on Thursday.
The ZAS Golf Tournament was introduced to raise funds for the Master Farmer Training Programme. It will equip farmers with skills and confidence to succeed the scholarship programme.
The funds will also support students pursuing agriculture, horticulture and animal science. Entertainment will also be on offer, with performances by ExQ, Feli Nandi, Jah Prayzah and rising star Junior Spragga at the Glamis Arena.
Over the years, ZAS has been steered by capable leaders such as the legendary Dr Robbie Mupawose, the past president; Mr Ngoni Kudenga, current president; and Professor Maxwell Mutema (chairperson of the agricultural development and promotion committee).
