Zimpapers Logo

Midlands Bureau Chief
The Midlands Agriculture Show is back on the radar after being suspended last year due to Covid-19 with exhibitors confident of clinching new deals.

The show commenced with a business day on Thursday which is reserved for the commercial sector to exchange ideas and create synergies as part of efforts to grow their enterprises.

The show which ends tomorrow is running under the theme: “Embracing climate change and corporate social responsibility.”

More than 50 exhibitors are at this year’s show.

The Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Larry Mavima is expected to officially open the show today.

Six exhibitors who include Royal Secrecy International, Bayer Zimbabwe, Byson Agro, Relievers Funeral Services, Silo Industries and War Veterans are exhibiting for the first time.

Midlands State University staffer explains to visitors courses offered at the institution at their stand at the Midlands Agricultural Show yesterday

The Midlands State University (MSU), Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) are some of the traditional exhibitors at the show.

Midlands Agriculture Show society chairman Mr Augustine Kumbirayi said he was happy with the response in terms of exhibitors considering that last year the show was cancelled because of Covid-19 pandemic.

“To be honest we didn’t expect such a response from the exhibitors. As you can see for yourself, It’s a hive of activity on this very first day. We have six new exhibitors who have also come on board,” he said.

Mr Kumbirayi said they will be following Covid-19 protocols and guidelines such as proper wearing of face masks, washing of hands and social distancing to mitigate against the spread of the virus.

“The show will be officially opened this Saturday by Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Larry Mavima with outstanding exhibitions set to be honoured on that day,” he said.

Midlands State University stand showing products manufactured at the university

Mr Kumbirayi said business people from small to medium enterprises as economic players should strategise under any circumstances so as to make the economy tick.

“Whatever the situation is, there is a need for them to strategise and adapt so that productivity and the economy continues to grow. We need to grow the province’s economy and that of the country at large,” he said.

Mr Osward Ndlovu from the Environment Management Agency (EMA) said they are exhibiting to educate stakeholders on the importance of biogas as a mitigatory measure in light of the dangers of climate change.

“Our motto is that people need to go green and save mother earth. People must know the importance of biogas as source of energy which is also cheap and protects the environment,” he said.