Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
ZIMBABWE’S agricultural show societies has set sights on global standards to attract more projects in the farming value chains.
The move which is in line with the National Development Strategy One (NDS1) aspirations is expected to result in agricultural societies across the country attracting more global exhibitors to entice investments and add value to farming output.
“When the agricultural show societies come together and share notes on what can be done to embrace the global standards it means commitment to the growth of the economy. Going forward the key features entail the need to come up with shows that create value for those who come and see and make sure the nation has the ability to fully exploit the resources in the agriculture sector by leaving no one behind in this vision of inclusivity,” Manicaland Agricultural Show Society Administrator, Mrs Pedzisai Rusero said.
Adaptation of global standards is also expected to result in Zimbabwe broadening the export markets for farming produce.
“This is part of the thrust by the Second Republic in harnessing Zimbabwe’s industrial capacity in line with the NDS1 aspirations, despite the challenges we face as a nation it is the need to embrace modern standards on our shared vision of being an upper middle-income society by 2030,” Zimbabwe Agricultural Society, Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rufaro Gunundu said.
The rolling out of global standard systems to agricultural societies across the country is in motion.
“The thrust is towards increasing the value of agricultural produce in the country, remember the Show Societies across the country hold their expos at District and Provincial stage, and what matters is the value such shows can bring to the economy,” Mr Godfrey Mavankeni, National Association of Agric Show Society in Zimbabwe Chairperson said.
The Global Standards Agenda for Zimbabwe’s agricultural societies is being made when the farming industry is poised for a boom riding on the favourable summer cropping season.
Representatives of agricultural societies met this Friday to further deliberate on the need to embrace global standards.
It emerged that Zimbabwe has to embrace the global standards in light of measures to consolidate gains in the agriculture sector.
Agriculture is the mainstay of Zimbabwe’s economy in terms of export growth, employment creation and foreign currency inflows, among other indicators.
