Local farmers at hi-tech agric expo

AT LEAST 30 farmers randomly selected from various parts of the country participated at one of Southern Africa’s agricultural showcase - NAMPO Exhibition - renowned for promoting usage of the latest high technological innovations to improve agricultural productivity.

The event, hosted by South Africa a fortnight ago, exposed the local farmers to latest farming methods at a time the country is pushing modernisation and mechanisation of its agriculture, one of the important pillars to economic revival.

The local farmers were taken to the exhibition by one of the country’s seed producer, Seed Co, on a fully sponsored trip to the showcase that drew over 700 exhibitors.

In a statement to The Sunday Mail last week, Seed Co managing director-Southern Africa, Mr Dennias Zaranyika said the NAMPO exhibition tour was aimed at equipping local farmers with basic knowledge in farming technological advancements.

“This year, Seed Co felt NAMPO was the best place to visit as the farmers would be able to observe various machinery and equipment that was being demonstrated,” he said.

“The trip was meant to keep Zimbabwean farmers abreast with latest farming technologies in the world.

“Catching up is always hard to do and that is the reason we as a company are proactive and take farmers on these international expos.

“We feel the tour offered farmers a unique platform to network with the agricultural industry’s top players and strengthened friendships and relationships in a true business environment.”

The four-day exhibition ran under the theme “Efficiency with technology” and was organised by Grain South Africa.

The event is held annually and is the largest agricultural event in Southern Africa providing an opportunity for manufacturers and distributors of agricultural machinery, products and services to exhibit a vast range of products.