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 Elita Chikwati Harare Bureau
The 106th edition of the Harare Agricultural Show started yesterday with the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society registering 77 693 entries on the exhibition space.

This was an increase from the 70 466 entries registered during the same period last year.

In 2014, there were 70 263 entries.

There has been an increase in the entries under the home industries from 789 last year to 1 394 this year, while entries in the livestock sector rose from 466 to 476 this year.

Entries in the commercial stands increased from 460 last year to 490 this year. The agricultural produce registered a decline in entries from 320 last year to 300 this year.

As has become the norm with the first day, business was low with few people visiting the Exhibition Park.

For the past few years, the first days have become family days as many parents prefer taking their children to the show during the first days where there will be less congestion.

People interviewed said they were impressed by the readiness of most of the exhibitors who were already on their stands unlike the past years.

They also watched rehearsals by drum majorettes while children enjoyed different games at the amusement park.

Zimbabwe Defence Forces was one of the popular stands.

At ZDF people were interested in different guns and pistols while the tracking section was the most popular.

At the tracking section different survival strategies were showcased.

These included traps for birds and mice, ancient methods of starting fires and also herbs used for different ailments.

The popular herb was mukandamberi, an energy drink that most people wanted to taste.

Exhibitors said business was low as few people were visiting their stands or inquiring about their products.

Debont marketing manager, Mr Marllon Nyamangara, said few people had visited the stand and this was synonymous with the first day.

“Normally, few people visit the stands on the first day. We expect business to pick as the show advances,” he said.

The show is running from August 22 to August 27 under the theme” Climate Resilience; The New Agricultural Frontier”.

ZAS public relations officer, Ms Heather Madombwe said; “We started off with the street parade and generally we are looking at more people coming tomorrow because we have free entry for children wearing school uniforms and the show will roll as we go through the week,” she said.

Events during the show week include Agribusiness which is expected to be attended by Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Poultry, rabbits, fish and potato lead discussions and quiz for primary schools.

Entertainment includes road shows, youth festival, drum majorettes, fireworks, displays from police, Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Zimbabwe Prison Correctional Services and livestock parades among others.

Children will also be entertained at the amusement park.

The show charges have remained $5 for adults and one dollar for children under the age of 12.