Farmers urged to network

The Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) has encouraged farmers to participate in the different agricultural shows that are held all year round to learn more about crop and livestock management practices and to network with key people in the agriculture industry.

Addressing farmers at the agricultural prize-giving ceremony held in Makoni District in Chiendambuya recently, ZAS chief executive Dr Anxious Masuka said agriculture thrived on teamwork.

“At this year’s agricultural show, there were a lot of farmers that showcased what they have been doing all year round,” he said. “Some of them have been honoured as shown by the prize-giving ceremony being held here today.

“The show is not only about showcasing, it is also about learning and networking. There are many new things a farmer can learn from another while they showcase their crops and livestock to the rest of the country.

“Therefore, it is important that farmers make the effort to participate in the shows so that they can network even with the big agricultural companies.”

Dr Masuka said they were now only going to take farmers that excelled at ward, district and provincial levels to take part in the main show in Harare.

“Harare Agricultural Show is now called the Zimbabwe Agriculture Show,” he said. “We are now taking participants who have won at the provincial level to participate at national level. We want to prevent a scenario where people are buying produce at the market and bringing it to show because they are not real farmers.”

Mrs Pauline Kamwara, who won second prize, received a four-row planter worth US$25 000 donated by Zimplats and a maize sheller from Seed Co during the ceremony.