The highly anticipated Zimbabwe Agricultural Show is set to attract thousands of farmers, agripreneurs, exhibitors, and industry leaders to what organisers are calling the largest agricultural event in the region.
The show which is also expected to be attended by heads of states and agricultural ministers, will take place from 26 to 31 August in Harare.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation is scheduled to attend the show during a working visit to Zimbabwe next week.
Seeking solutions for the impact of droughts
Dr Andrew Matibiri, the chief executive officer of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society, the organisers of the event, , said the show offers an opportunity to farmers and industry leaders who might want to export to Zimbabwe.
He said since Zimbabwe was hit hard by the drought, the country is low in certain staple food.
“The drought has had a huge impact on the agricultural industry because maize and sugar beans seed for the upcoming farming season is limited in the country.
“Also, stock feed and supplements for the livestock is limited. The agricultural show is a good time for farmers to meet with the meteorologists and understand the rainy season patterns as well as get advice from agronomists on crops that will bring excellent yield during that farming season,” he said.
Matibiri added that the show will create a platform for farmers to engage with experts in the field as the country is in dire need of climate-resistant crops.
He highlighted the importance of the show as an opportunity to honour Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector and seek solutions to the many challenges it faces.
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“The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show is a key event on the national calendar, it showcases the talents, innovation and resilience of our farmers, agribusiness and agricultural stakeholders.
“This year’s theme of the event is ‘Cultivating prosperity. Growing business. Innovating for change. Nurturing our future’. It reflects the commitment to driving growth, sustainability and transformation in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector,” he said.
Opportunity to showcase the best of Zim
Hamond Motsi, an esteemed agricultural expert in Zimbabwe, said another opportunity for those attending the show is exploring how they can tap into the growing blueberry industry in Zimbabwe. They are currently exporting to different countries.
“This show is very huge in Zimbabwe and it does not only affect the agricultural sectors but other interrelated sectors. It will be at this show that technology and innovation of the country are showcased.
Hamond Motsi is an agricultural expert and scholar interested in sustainable agricultural management practices. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi
“The exports roundtable discussions will be very critical for companies that want to start exporting things like blueberries or horticulture. It will be a platform for those who will want to know about export opportunities and where to export too,” he added.
Motsi said most farmers in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will be attending, as well as funding institutions, research centres and experts.
The event will also feature embassy representatives from around the world, Motsi noted, offering a crucial opportunity for those interested in exporting to connect with them and learn about the specific terms and conditions for exporting to their respective countries.
He explained that the conferences and seminars at the show will provide valuable insights to help the nation’s farmers make more informed decisions about which crops to cultivate in various regions, taking into account the differing climatic conditions.
“Importantly, captains of the agricultural industry get to meet and share strategies on how to improve this sector for the betterment of the economy at large. It all begins with small-scale farmers up to the commercial farmers, hence the need to meet and share strategies and ideas,” he said.
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