The 108th edition of Harare Agricultural show which kicks off in five days has leaped 14 percent up from last year’s figures, attracting up to 575 exhibitors Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) Chief Executive Officer Dr Anxious Masuka revealed yesterday.
Addressing the media at the ZAS offices in Harare yesterday, Dr Masuka said last year’s edition had 503 exhibitors and with the increase in numbers this year, the business sentiment is positive.
“Our expectation this year is that there is going to be a 7.5percent increase in space to a record 85 730 square metres up from the 79 730 square metres exhibited on last year.
“Just to put things into perspective and a national perspective, the next biggest show of trade fare in Zimbabwe is only a maximum of 45 000 square metres so the Harare show is almost double the next biggest show in Zimbabwe,” Dr Masuka said.
He also said the show attracts 250 00 people coming together spanning three generations to see products being exhibited and which means for any discerning corporate it is the place to be.
The Show has five sections, in addition to commercial exhibits from agriproduce, cotton, tobacco, livestock, microenterprises, next generation and the emphasis is on yield, quality and cost- efficiencies across all farming sectors, from household to national levels to ensure national food security and export led economic recovery.
“What is exciting this year is that we have had more than 500percent increase in the sponsorship provided for these sections.
“In total prizes worth USD250 000 will be given to predominantly small holder and small scale farmers,” said Dr Masuka.
He added that the aim is to formalise the formerly Home Industries Section, every informal and SME business ranging from, knitting, cookery, arts to agri-processing.
For the Next Generation section the Youth Show Movement has planned a programme for children and youth throughout the week, to motivate incremental participation by youth in all aspects of agriculture and train them in entrepreneurship and dedicated Youth Pavilion is available.
The much anticipated show will run from the 27th of August to the 1st of September under the theme “Field To Industry: Produce. Connect. Develop.”
Comments
About Author
