Zimbabwe Agricultural show records 15% increase in exhibitors
Story by Stanley James
THE Zimbabwe Agricultural Show has recorded a 15 % increase in exhibitors this year a development which confirms confidence in the premier farming expo.
The awards presentation ceremony for this year’s Zimbabwe Agricultural Show 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.
“Tirikunzwa kufara huye zvaratidza kuti gore rino kurima kwabhadhara,” said one of the exhibitors.
Another added, “It was an eye opener so I am highly exhilarated by such an award it will further propel me to do much more even better.
“There is a lot that needs to be done but since I have won this prize for the best tobacco grower I am highly elated,” added another exhibitor.
Zimbabwe Agricultural Society President, Mr. Ngoni Kudenga highlighted that this year’s annual showcase has defied market expectations.
“Space that was taken during this year’s show was at over 74 000 square metres while the number of exhibitors increased to over 520 this year from about 450 last year, so it points to increased confidence on the show,” he said.
The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka described the quality of exhibitions as an indication of the government’s commitment to increasing food security.
He added, “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 the government’s interventions in agriculture are bearing desired targets.”
Notable categories honoured at the prize-giving ceremony are the 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.