Staff Reporter
GWERU – The Midlands Agricultural Show will this year celebrate 100 years of exhibition.
Midlands Show chairperson Augustine Mupakurirwa announced a hugely unchanged line-up of events for this year’s agricultural show, which will run from August 14 to 17.
Speaking to journalists during a media briefing, Mupakurirwa said focus will be on stakeholder engagement and showcasing innovation in line with climate-smart and sustainable development trends.
“A century is a very long time to attend. It shows deep commitment from our community, exhibitors, and executives who volunteer their time to ensure the show’s success.
“We want our stakeholders to meet potential clients and launch products. It’s about creating business opportunities and sharing innovation,” said the Midlands Show chairperson.
He said the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka will be the guest of honour of the four-day event, which will run under the theme: “Climate Change Resilience: Smart and Sustainable Futures”.
Mapukurirwa said the show will offer a business platform where stakeholders, service providers, and exhibitors meet, network, and showcase products and innovations, including live demonstrations of new technologies like the recently introduced hand tractor.
He said the show will have the usual adjudication of stands, business conference, exhibitors’ reception and opening ceremony.
“So far, a total of 112 exhibitors have confirmed and paid to participate in this year’s show.
“Of those already paid, we also have 15 new exhibitors who include Gweru City Parking, Granite Link, Dreamnet, National Archives of Zimbabwe and City Hardware among others,” said the Midlands Show chairperson.
Mupakurirwa said they were targeting 170 exhibitors as the numbers have decreased in recent years.
Lloyd Mudonhi, who is in charge of entertainment, said they will be bringing two feature artists, Freeman and Master H, as part of the Centenary celebrations.
Mudonhi said there will be the popular burnouts, helicopter displays, uniformed forces display, football and the Miss Midlands Show.
The Midlands Agriculture Show was first held in 1925 by predominantly white farmers.
