The season for agricultural shows
SUMMER in Zimbabwe, almost always accompanied by the sweltering heat that alternates with the soothing cool breeze, as well as the sweet scent of fresh tree leaves, is simply the perfect time for fairs and merry making.
The temperatures are just perfect and the rain is absent.
The Msasa trees take on a colourful display of russet, that reddish-orange tinge, until the temperatures signal their retreat and the leaves drop to the ground in vast quantities to be replaced by new green shots.
In addition to that, the Poinsettia trees lining up the streets of Manicaland gives birth to eye-catching red blossoms. The scent of summer fills the air. With the carnival mood set, the young ones are more than ready to unwind at the agricultural shows.
For them, it is the time to sweat a little bit in the jumping castle, eat plenty of ice cream and get their faces painted.
Unbeknownst to the young ones, millions of dollars exchange hands during agricultural shows as deals are inked between their parents, farmers and the corporate world.
Only last week, the Chipinge and the Makoni Agricutural Shows exploded to life after a two-year hiatus brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The provincial fête, the Manicaland Agricultural Show, then commenced yesterday and will run until tomorrow.
At national level, the Harare Agricultural Show has already come and gone with its pomp and fanfare.
During this time of the year, farmers get the opportunity to parade some of the country’s finest livestock; while all types of fruits and agricultural produce are taken out of the storage barns for exhibition.
Our agricultural shows are, without a doubt, steeped in our rural and food heritage.
Originally established by farmers to promote best practice in breeding livestock and crop production, these events have kept true to their origins. However, today they now also offer an important insight into farming and rural life, as well as an opportunity for farmers to celebrate their industry.
It is estimated that tens of thousands of people attend agricultural shows across Zimbabwe every year, and numbers are on the rise, hence this is a perfect opportunity for corporates to market their products.
These events are excellent for expanding your business and networking with potential clients. At these shows, people can attend conference talks, share research and get demos on how new equipment can improve productivity.
No matter what you think you know, conferences and events like these ones offer amazing insight into the future of the agricultural industry.
But what makes agricultural shows so important?
Consumer interest in food, farming and rural life has increased dramatically over the years and with this, our agriculture shows now see engagement with urban audiences as one of the driving principles.
Agricultural shows across the country give members of the public the opportunity to appreciate the diversity and the contribution of the rural economy to wider society —
from cattle and sheep, renewables and crafts, to vegetables and vintage machinery.
This is particularly important in light of the fact that Zimbabwe’s economy is primarily reliant upon agriculture. In fact, the agricultural sector employs approximately 60 percent of the population and is responsible for 40 percent of all export revenue.
The role agricultural shows play in Zimbabwe has probably never been more important as the sector takes centre stage with the country chasing Vision 2030.
But these shows are not just about entertaining and opening the agricultural world to the public, they are also about bringing local communities together.
Shows are exceptionally social; whether it’s meeting friends, neighbours or exhibitors — show season is the highlight of the year for many families.
It is interesting to note that the livestock and traditional elements of agricultural shows are the key attraction for visitors. A recent post-show survey revealed that about 70 percent of people visit livestock stands.
After all, everyone deserves to know where the fresh milk and the butter comes from.
Till next time, let’s chew the cud.