Bulawayo Agricultural Society to exhibit at this year’s ZITF

THE Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak that hit parts of the Matabeleland region will not affect this year’s Bulawayo Agricultural Show next month traditionally held concurrently with the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, an official said.

Bulawayo Agricultural Society administrative officer Mrs Natalia Adlam said the FMD outbreak that hit some parts of Matabeleland North and South provinces was unlikely to affect livestock displays as the animals to be showcased at the exhibition would be drawn from contained areas. This year’s ZITF exhibition will be held from 25 to 29 April under the theme: “Harnessing linkages for Industrial Development”.

“A yarding of 100 head is expected, higher than that of 2016. Pedigree cattle are expected to be on display, from Matopos Research Station, Khami Prison and Esigodini Agricultural College. The recent outbreak of FMD should, hopefully, not impact upon the show as preparation has been ongoing since January to ensure that all cattle to be sent to the show have been vaccinated against the disease. The Department of Veterinary Services is strictly monitoring the situation,” she said.

Sheep and goats from FMD-clean areas would be allowed at the exhibition but only for display. Mrs Adlam said the incessant rains received throughout the country were likely to result in high moisture content for most of the crop produce rendering it difficult to exhibit them.

“The good rains that fell this year may impact on some regions due to the moisture content in the crops, but a good exhibition is expected,” she said.

The society has closed entries for the home industries section while that for crop produce and poultry would be closed next week.

“The committee will be putting on a small Horse Show, and remains one the most popular events at the show. The society’s main arena will, once again, be filled to the brim with sponsor companies, who will be show cased in our main arena, with their display of farming implements, tractors, vehicles, seed, veterinary products among other products,” said Mrs Adlam.