Masvingo agric show kicks off

SAMUEL NJINGA IN MASVINGO

The 65th edition of the Masvingo Provincial Agricultural Show kicks off today, running until Saturday.

Organisers say this year’s showcase promises to be one of the most vibrant in recent years, highlighting farming excellence, agri-business opportunities, and innovations that can help transform the province’s economy.

Show Society chairperson, veteran educationist Fadzai Jirivengwa, told Business Times:“The show is about creating a platform where farmers, exhibitors, and all players in the value chain can learn, trade, and celebrate agriculture. Last year’s event was a huge success, and this year we expect even more exhibitors and visitors,” she said.

Since its inception more than six decades ago, the Masvingo Agricultural Show has been a cornerstone of the province’s agricultural calendar. Initially conceived as a modest platform for farmers to exchange knowledge and showcase livestock, crops, and implements, it has since evolved into a premier provincial event drawing interest from across Zimbabwe.

The vision of the show aligns closely with national agricultural development priorities, particularly the push for food security, rural industrialisation, and economic growth through agriculture. Organisers say this year’s theme is a direct call to farmers and agribusinesses to contribute towards national economic recovery by embracing innovation, sustainability, and productivity.

“The show plays a critical role in empowering communal and smallholder farmers who form the backbone of agriculture in Masvingo. By exposing them to modern technologies, markets, and financing opportunities, we are helping transform subsistence farming into viable agribusiness,” Jirivengwa explained.

Participation has steadily broadened over the years, reflecting the growing confidence of stakeholders in the platform. Smallholder farmers will again be exhibiting alongside commercial producers, agro-dealers, and large corporates. SMEs in agro-processing, input supply, and services are also expected to feature prominently, while government agencies and development partners will use the event to provide extension services and information.

Organisers have also put a deliberate focus on inclusivity. Jirivengwa said women and youth will be given space to showcase their projects, while targeted training sessions will support upcoming agri-entrepreneurs. “We want young people and women to see farming not just as a livelihood but as a business. That is why we are giving them the platform and recognition they deserve,” she noted.

Interest from regional and international exhibitors is growing too, with companies from neighbouring countries said to be considering participation. This reflects not only Masvingo’s strategic location but also its potential as a hub for cross-border agricultural trade.

A key feature of this year’s show will be the promotion of climate-smart agriculture, mechanisation, and digital tools. Farmers will have opportunities to engage with innovators showcasing precision farming equipment, water-saving irrigation technologies, and renewable energy solutions tailored for agriculture.

Training workshops and knowledge-sharing platforms will provide information on financial literacy, market linkages, and the use of mobile and digital platforms for farming. Jirivengwa said the show society recognises that innovation is the only way farmers can withstand challenges such as drought, climate change, and resource constraints.

Beyond the exhibits, the show represents a major business opportunity for players across the agricultural value chain. Agro-dealers, financiers, input suppliers, and off-takers are expected to interact directly with farmers, creating linkages that can lead to long-term business relationships.

“This show is more than just an exhibition, it is a marketplace where deals are struck, where farmers meet buyers, and where financiers meet clients. It is a unique networking opportunity,” said Jirivengwa.

Organising such a large-scale event is not without its challenges. The Agricultural Show Society faces the pressure of operating in a difficult economic climate, with costs rising while resources remain constrained. However, organisers say strong partnerships with government, private sector, and development partners have kept the event alive and growing.

Climate change also looms large. With Masvingo prone to recurrent droughts, the show is deliberately shifting its programming to highlight resilience strategies such as drought-resistant crops, conservation farming, and irrigation technologies.

Looking to the future, the Show Society envisions expanding and modernising the event into a regional agricultural hub. Plans include upgrading infrastructure, creating permanent exhibition facilities, and strengthening collaborations with regional trade blocs.

“Our long-term vision is to position the Masvingo Agricultural Show as a must-attend event not only for Zimbabwe but for Southern Africa,” Jirivengwa revealed.

As the show kicks off, organisers are urging farmers, exhibitors, and the public to attend and support the event.

“The show belongs to the people of Masvingo and Zimbabwe at large. It is a chance to celebrate our agricultural heritage while embracing the innovations that will shape our future,” Jirivengwa said.

The 65th annual Masvingo Agricultural Show is expected to draw thousands over its four-day run, reaffirming its status as a showcase of resilience, innovation, and opportunity in Zimbabwe’s farming heartland.