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Leonard Ncube in Victoria Falls
PREPARATIONS for the second edition of the Victoria Falls Agricultural Show (VFAS) this month have started with organisers expecting more than 60 exhibitors.

The first edition of the show was held last year at Chinotimba Stadium and this year the event will run from September 20-23 at the same venue.

VFAS manager, Mr Tendai Moyo, said in line with developing the local economy by equipping people with skills, information and business ideas, as well as boosting food security,  this year’s theme was: “Revolutionalising rural economies and lifestyles through agro-innovation, information dissemination, value addition and skills transfer”.

Said Mr Moyo: “We have been to four agricultural shows, which are coming in handy as source markets for us. The most exciting development is that we are now a member of the Zimbabwe Association for Agricultural Show Societies, which was formed sometime this year.”

He said those who have confirmed participation include some Government departments, colleges and universities, seed and stock feed manufacturers and farmers.

“We know that Victoria Falls has been accorded the Special Economic Zone status hence besides tourism, there are other sectors expected to sprout like agriculture and packaging.

“This town has better soils than Israel hence we can emulate that country and do agro-business and horticulture,” he said.

Mr Moyo said the show seeks to help local farmers and businesses to be innovative and utilise the Victoria Falls International Airport to export agricultural products.

Admission is free for ordinary people, said Mr Moyo, who urged Victoria Falls residents to come in numbers.

He said they were planning to expand the show to be an international occasion next year.

According to organisers, there will be prizes for the best rural farmer, rural Member of Parliament as well as best Rural District Council. Before last year, the event was an education careers’ exhibition termed “Zim Education”.

The exhibition becomes the second in the province after the Hwange Agricultural Show, which ended on Saturday at the Whange Showgrounds.

@ncubeleon