Maravi

(HERALD) Harare Agricultural Show roars into life

Harare Agricultural Show roars into life
Herald Reporter

THE 98th edition of the Harare Agricultural Show opens today under the theme "Let’s Unite the Nation — Grow Food with Determination". The show, which runs from today until Saturday, has attracted a large number of exhibitors, ranging from small-scale to large-scale farmers, and small enterprises and individuals to large corporates.

Show organisers have also set aside the Andy Millar Hall for charity organisations to showcase their work free of charge as part of their social responsibility programme.

There has been an increase in the number of exhibitors from 450 last year to 530 this year, prompting the show organisers to expand the number of stands.

Among this year’s exhibitors are Turnall, Barclays, Taisek Engineering, Zimpost, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimoco Limited, Cold Storage Company, Mono Pumps and Cottco.

Yesterday most exhibitors were putting the final touches to their stands in preparation for the opening today with farmers displaying their produce.

HAS public relations officer Ms Heather Madombwe said many of the exhibitors participating this year were unable to do so last year because of the high costs.

"People should expect a surprise guest later this week," she said.

Ms Madombwe said they would show movies every day after 6.30pm as part of this year’s entertainment line-up.

Ms Madombwe also urged parents and guardians to look after their children or ask them to carry their phone numbers in the event they got lost.

She said safety was a major concern because more than 100 children got lost during show week.

This year’s edition will provide farmers with a platform to exchange views on strategies to curb the decline in production and restore Zimbabwe’s status as Southern Africa’s breadbasket.

President Mugabe will officially open the show on Friday.

Adults will pay a $100 entry fee today, on Tuesday and Thursday while children will pay $50.

On Wednesday and Saturday, adults will pay $200 with children paying $50 while schoolchildren in uniform will be admitted free of charge.

"As part of our social responsibility programme, we are devoted to helping society by giving back what it gave us as has always been our norm," said Ms Madombwe.

She said 10 charity organisations would take part in this year’s event, among them Childline, HelpAge, Jairos Jiri, Spinal Injuries, St Giles and the National Aids Council.

Ms Madombwe said they would not ask for payment from the charity organisations but would provide them with a platform to mobilise funds from the public and corporate sector to help the needy.

"It is also our responsibility to help the poor, old people, orphans and the disabled," she said.

HelpAge director Mrs Priscilla Gavi said they appreciated the society’s gesture, as they would get to meet potential benefactors and discuss the challenges they were facing.

Labels: AGRICULTURAL SHOW, HARARE

posted by MrK @ 6:45 PM