Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
THE 2025 edition of the Masvingo Provincial Agricultural Show ended on a high note this Sunday, with the event being described as a vital platform for showcasing agricultural advancements, fostering collaboration and inspiring hope for a prosperous future.
Nearly 120 exhibitors had an opportunity to showcase their products and services at this year’s Masvingo Provincial Agricultural Show.
Exhibitors say the platform enabled them to woo clients and forge partnerships that ensure the growth of their businesses.
“As a farmer, I had an opportunity to showcase my produce here and was awarded the best farmer. Apart from that, I had an opportunity to meet with other farmers, share ideas with our extension workers, and we were taught about agricultural resilience in the face of climate change,” exhibitor, Ms Sylvia Mudzingwa said.
“As ZIMRA, we were mainly showcasing our online border management control system, and this is where we have digitalised our processes. Now, many if not all of our processes have been digitalised, and these include the online visa application, online permits, and entry and exit clearance,” another exhibitor, Mr Benard Maidza:
Revellers and children had the time of their lives with performances from Freeman and several activities for the young ones at the play centre.
“We had a great time this year with my family. There was a lot of entertainment for our children. Our favourite stand was the ZIMPARKS stand, where we saw wildlife including lions, snakes, crocodiles, and many others,” a reveller, Stephen Musango said.
“I was happy to see Freeman here in Masvingo performing live. It was a rare experience for many of us,” another reveller, Melody Chati added.
The government pledged its support to the agriculture sector and its entire value chain in ensuring food security.
“To realise agriculture’s potential, our farmers need more than just resources; they need confidence and support rooted in our legal and institutional frameworks. The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, as guided by the astute leadership of His Excellency President Mnangagwa, has laid out comprehensive strategies to modernise our sector. These include diversifying crop and livestock production, enhancing extension services, investing in digital agriculture, and building resilience against climate-related risks through the National Agriculture Policy Framework (2019–2030).
“The government is committed to working hand-in-hand with farmers and stakeholders to transform agriculture from subsistence to a vibrant commercial enterprise,” Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira noted.
The Masvingo Show Society described this year’s show as bigger and better compared to previous ones.
“As the Masvingo Show Society, we are excited by the overwhelming response we received this year. We had 115 exhibitors, excluding our farmers. We continue to grow bigger and better as each year passes. We believe our farmers and stakeholders in the agriculture value chain had an opportunity to interact, share ideas, and forge partnerships,” Masvingo Show Society Chairperson, Ms Fadzai Jirivengwa said.
Several government departments, parastatals, Corporates, Small businesses and individuals were honoured for outstanding exhibitions.
These include the Office of the President and Cabinet, Masvingo Province, Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Tongaat Huletts Zimbabwe, Netone and National Aids Council, among many others. Ms Sylvia Mudzingwa of Zaka was crowned the provincial farmer of the year.
This year’s edition of the provincial show was running under the theme, ‘Promoting Development for Economic Growth.’
