Sharon Chikowore
THE just-ended Makonde Agricultural Show saw a noticeable increase in attendance after organisers moved the event to the centrally located Chinhoyi Show grounds.
The new central venue made it easier for many farmers from surrounding areas to attend, and their strong presence brought a fresh impetus to the event.
Farmers from across the district gathered in greater numbers, citing the venue’s accessibility as a major improvement over previous years.
The show was running under the theme “Mechanising, irrigation maximise land use, export”.
Many farmers at the show said the change of venue had helped reduce transport costs, thereby giving room to participate to all the farmers in Makonde District.
“I have been attending these show programmes for three years now, but this time there are more farmers participating and it becomes more challenging now in winning, coming out with best. Where we used to conduct our show down there after Alaska, was far for many farmers and the issue of transport was a bigger challenge that those who participated had difficulties in transporting their products. Coming here to Chinhoyi was a good idea and best thing they did for us as farmers,” said Mrs Chigwende from Murereka.
Makonde District agricultural show chairman, Richard Chambwe, said the change of venue was meant for all farmers to participate and that they will henceforth continue in Chinhoyi until they have found another place of their own.
“We realised that most farmers in our district were failing to attend the district show due to the venue, which we always used, saying it was too far away for them and difficult to transport their products. So, we decided to centralise the venue so that all corners will come and participate and indeed it has brought results because we have a bigger number this year and we will be expecting more as we move forward.
“We will be having our show here from now on until we manage to find our own place which will also be suitable and central so that farmers will not have problems attending as we have embarked on a drive to have our own show grounds, which we can build. We have more than 100 farmers here and it’s a good sign,” said Chambwe
A few exhibitors attended the show. However, a few of them felt that the show could have been even better with more advertising.
“They should up their game by advertising their programme in time and invite more companies to exhibit. Their programme was good, but as you can see only a few companies are here of which we do have many companies surrounding who can support the show. As for me I only got to know about it yesterday, so you can see what I’m talking about. However, despite that it was a good thing and they should continue working hard and they will get there. They will grow,” said Duly’s Motors Manager Chinhoyi Branch, Faizel Ravat.
Despite that, most people welcomed the change and hope the show continues to grow in the years ahead. Organisers say they will take feedback seriously and plan to start spreading the word earlier next time.
Schools like Nemakonde High, Chinhoyi Technical High, Binge Secondary, Alaska Primary, Murereka Primary and Munich Primary participated and exhibited at this year’s Makonde District Agricultural Show.
In crop production, Makonde was the chief producer of maize in the province in 2024 to 2025 season.
New Ziana
