Agric show kicks off

THE 109th edition of the six-day Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) opens in Harare tomorrow with the major highlights being a conference seeking to promote local products, another one for agri-businesses as well as a discussion on power and energy.

The event, which was rebranded from Harare Agricultural Show to ZAS in January, was initially scheduled to run from 26 to 31 August.

However, it was brought forward to this week as part of the organisation’s efforts to realign the event with the national and international calendar.

The rebranding is meant to transform the event from displaying the agriculture value chain into the creation of opportunities for exhibitors and visitors.

ZAS chief executive officer Dr Anxious Masuka told The Sunday Mail that it was all systems go for this year’s edition, where over 500 commercial exhibitors are taking part.

“Preparations for the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show are well on course, with most exhibitors putting final touches to their stands,” he said.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone on Monday (tomorrow), both show-goers and exhibitors.

“To date, we have 500 commercial exhibitors on 75 000sqm and we also have more space taken up by agri-produce, cotton, tobacco, micro-enterprises and livestock, bringing the total space uptake to 90 075sqm.”

Last year, commercial exhibition space took up 85 730sqm, compared to 79 730 sqm in 2017.

Dr Masuka said five foreign exhibitors will also take part, while the guest of honour for the official opening will be announced this week.

“We must emphasise that the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show is focused at developing agriculture value chains and facilitating national agriculture development, while highlighting linkages with mining, manufacturing, tourism, services and public sectors,” he said.

Dr Masuka added that entry into the event has been pegged at $7 for children and $10 for adults.