Staff Reporter
Exhibitors at the on-going Zimbabwe Agriculture Show (ZAS) should use the platform to make lifelong connections and partnerships for use in future business dealings, Botswana President Masisi has said.
Officially opening the 112th edition of this year’s ZAS today, President Masisi who was the Guest of Honour, saluted Zimbabwe for producing highly qualified veterinary surgeons, some of them are working in Botswana’s agricultural sector.
“It is also commendable that Zimbabwe also produces high quality veterinary surgeons, some of them we have the rare privilege of having them in our national institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture Veterinary Department and the Botswana Medicine Regulatory Authority,” said President Masisi.
The Guest of honour added that he was honoured to officiate at this year’s edition of ZAS and said the event came at a time when Zimbabwe and Botswana had signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate efforts in the development of the agricultural sector in the two countries.
The Botswana President advised exhibitors to use the event to create partnerships and connections for use in their future business dealings. He added that both Zimbabwe and Botswana were seized with the task of revamping the agriculture sector and returns it to its former glory.
President Masisi said that it was imperative that the agriculture sector should digitise so that it can compete with other countries. He further said that Zimbabwe and Botswana should join efforts to fight livestock disease such as foot and mouth.
Shortly before the official opening, President Masisi in the company of President Mnangagwa toured some stands at the Show before inspecting a guard of honour that was mounted by members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
The Botswana President, together with President Mnangagwa later presented awards to outstanding exhibitors and best farmers. The Zimbabwe Defence Forces scooped the Best Exhibiting Stand while Mr Jonathan Musoki was the winner in the Best Tobacco Farmer category.
The Best Livestock Producer award was presented to Zvikomborero Farm, while Best Cotton Farmer award was scoped by Smart Kambanje. Concern Mutasa walked away with the Best Pfumvudza Farmer award. Both Kambanje and Mutasa got tractors as part of their prizes.
Meanwhile, over 400 exhibitors, including some from Malawi, Botswana and India are showcasing their products at the Show. This year’s ZAS is running under the theme: “Unique Business Opportunities, Accessibility and Abundance”.
