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Fortunate Gora Mash West Correspondent
THE 99th edition of the Mashonaland West Agricultural Show roars into life today with over 60 companies and farmers exhibiting, in a development organisers say consolidates the show’s growing stature.

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira is expected to officially open the show.

Running under the theme; “Trade Surplus through Agriculture”, the show is expected to create a platform where farmers meet with key corporates in the agricultural sector.

Show society general manager Mr Brian Vengai said some of the new exhibitors were the People’s Own Savings Bank (POSB), Incaba Trading, Capital Foods and Capstone Seeds.

“So far we have over 60 companies that have confirmed their participation,” he said.

“This show is crucial in that it helps both the farmers and corporates.

“Farmers get a lot of information on how to enhance their farming techniques and showcase their products and services. Companies boost their sales and get a chance to interact with their customers to know what they want.”

Agriculture has been on the rebound through Government intervention with programmes such as Command Agriculture and the Presidential Inputs Support Scheme.

This has seen increased output and food sufficiency, which eliminated importation of grain.

Mr Vengai hailed the peaceful environment in the country which allowed smooth preparations for the show.

“We thought we were going to postpone or shift the dates of the show because of uncertainties normally associated with elections, but we thank God that the environment is very peaceful and everything is going according to plan,” he said.

Thousands of people are also expected to attend the show where recent figures have shown attendance of more than 10 000 people each year.

Last year’s edition was officially opened by Kavango East provincial governor in Namibia Dr Samuel Kaveto Mbambo.