HARARE, Jul 23 (NewsDay Live) -The Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) is targeting a record 630 exhibitors for the 116th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, with organisers saying strong participation by local and international companies reflects renewed confidence in the country's premier agricultural and business exhibition.
This year's exhibition will feature stronger competition across livestock, crops and agricultural exhibits, with entries already surpassing last year's figures in several categories.
Addressing journalists in Harare this Thursday, ZAS chief executive Rufaro Alfred Gunundu said the organisation had already booked 350 exhibitors covering 66 000 square metres of space.
Gunundu said ZAS anticipates that the show will increase awareness and adoption of modern agricultural technologies, improved collaboration across agricultural value chains and enhanced linkages between producers and markets.
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The six-day exhibition will run from August 24 to 29 under the theme 'ZAS116 Powering Growth: Where Agriculture, Technology and Commerce Converge’.
Gunundu said the event will bring together players in agriculture, technology and commerce to showcase innovation, attract investment and promote agribusiness growth.
The beef section has attracted 112 entries, up from 66 last year, representing 10 breeds including Bonsmara, Tuli, Wagyu, Simmental, Simbra, Boran, Red Brahman, Mashona, Commercial and Nkone breeds.
Goat entries have nearly doubled to 78 from 40, while sheep entries increased from 30 to 45, pigs from 26 to 34 and rabbits from 84 to 99.
Poultry has recorded one of the biggest increases, with entries rising from 105 last year to 269 across 20 breeds.
Gunundu said the tobacco section had also experienced significant growth.
"The entries represent about a 135% increase compared to last year driven by expanded participation from Manicaland and Matabeleland South provinces and increased grower interest in both flue-cured Virginia and naturally cured Virginia.
“This reflects improved farmer confidence and the show's role in promoting quality and standards in the tobacco value chain," Gunundu said.
He further noted that the cotton section had maintained 40 entries, adding that exhibitors will showcase improved seed varieties, mechanisation and value addition initiatives.
"The section continues to attract ginners, input companies and textile players, reinforcing linkages between primary production and agro-industrialisation,"
ZAS added that the agro-produce section had attracted strong interest from farmers, cooperatives and agro-processors exhibiting grains, horticulture, oilseeds and processed foods, with emphasis on food safety, packaging and quality standards to improve market access and strengthen national food security.
The micro-enterprise section has also expanded, highlighting innovation in food processing, leather products, cosmetics and crafts.
"The section highlights the role of women and youth in driving inclusive growth and creating jobs at household and community level, which is a significant development in our industry,"
The annual show will also host several high-level conferences and business engagements, including a livestock conference focusing on building resilient livestock systems towards a US$15,8 billion agricultural economy by 2030, the Annual National Agribusiness Conference, an Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture conference organised by the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, a Green Indaba and a Research for Agricultural Excellence Technology Indaba, among others.
Beyond agriculture and business, organisers said visitors would enjoy live entertainment at Glamis Arena, fireworks displays and other family-oriented activities throughout the exhibition.
To improve visitors' experience, ZAS has introduced online registration and ticket sales, additional entry gates, expanded parking facilities and upgraded CCTV surveillance.
"This year we have significantly strengthened measures with the installation and upgrading of CCTVs in the business hub to ensure the safety of all attendees.
“In partnership with our stakeholders, children will once again be tagged to support child safety and facilitate quick reunification in the event of separation and we urge all parents and guardians to make use of this service," Gunundu said.
