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(HERALD) Thousands witness Harare Agric Show’s official opening

Thousands witness Harare Agric Show’s official opening
Saturday, 27 August 2011 02:00
Herald Reporter

THOUSANDS of Zimbabweans yesterday witnessed the official opening of the 101st edition of the Harare Agricultural Show by President Mugabe at the Exhibition Park.
The President first toured several stands of exhibitors showcasing their products at goers.
The Police Band, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and drum majorettes were some of the groups that provided entertainment and displays.the show before officially opening this year's edition whose theme is "Celebrating Agricultural Growth - Promoting Green Business".

Foreign exhibitors from Iran, China, South Africa and Zambia also participated in the annual event. The Head of State and Government and the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces visited the Agricultural Produce and Home Industries, Pannar and Seedco, the livestock section, the Hall of Commerce and the TN Harlequin stands among others.

Showgoers jostled to catch the glimpse of the President with some singing and dancing. Cde Mugabe took time to greet some of the show

President of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society Dr Robbie Mupawose, said over the last two years, there have been major changes around the Exhibition Park while exhibitions had improved.

"Not only has the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society made significant improvements but our 700 valued exhibitors have made huge efforts to present a very good representation of their wares, whether they are exhibiting as a commercial or public sector organisation," he said.

Dr Mupawose also welcomed international riders from South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Kenya, Zambia, Chile, Mauritius and Zimbabwe.

He said as a society they were investigating the promotion of renewable energy and they had encouraged exhibits from organisations that were oriented towards renewable energy.

"We encourage all Zimbabweans to plant trees wherever possible, especially farmers," Dr Mupawose said.

Zimbabwe, he said, was one of the attractive investment destinations in the region with a huge potential for growth.

He said exhibitors in the agricultural produce and livestock section were among the best.

"It is obvious to us that these exhibitors have embraced the idea of competition and have improved the quality of their produce and livestock. The show is supposed to be a learning experience for exhibitors and it is clear that this ‘learning experience' is bearing fruit," Dr Mupawose said.

Dr Mupawose said the aim of the society was to create competition "which was calculated to stimulate interest in agriculture, horticulture, mining and the conversation of natural resources".

"We do not take this aim lightly, thus we strive to improve the quality of the show every year," Dr Mupawose said.

He applauded President Mugabem, the society's patron, for supporting the them.
Meanwhile some of the organisations, individuals and schools that were exhibiting at the HAS received prizes for being outstanding at their various stands.

These were People's Own Savings Bank, Premier Medical Aid Society, Guardian Security Services, Croco Motors, C and J Imagineers, Industrial Twines and Allied Products, Dairibord Holdings, Ministry of Women's Affairs, Gender and Community Development, TN Holdings Limited, Ministry of Health and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

The Ministry of Public Service, the Office of the President and Cabinet's Mordenisation Department, Prince Edward School, Murehwa District, Mhofu Primary School, Solomombe, Animal Breeders and farmer Percia Gangarahwe also scooped prizes.
After the official opening, superstar Oliver Mtukudzi thrilled the crowd with his music.

Labels: HARARE AGRICULTURAL SHOW

posted by MrK @ 5:54 AM