By Simiso Mlevu, Lloyd Gumbo and Costa Mano

1638: The official proceedings have ended and that brings an end to our updates.

1634: Traditional leaders led are giving thanks and asking for blessings for Zimbabwe’s prosperity.

1620: President Nyusi has finished handing out the prizes and receives a gift from Dr Mupawose.

1559: President Nyusi is now handing out prizes for different categories of exhibitions at the show.

1555: President Nyusi states that he would like to deepen our relations in terms of agricultural best practices, agricultural shows, and exchange visits. He says he will do all he can to cement the brotherly relations between the two countries.  He invites President Mugabe to a state visit on days to be agreed. He has ended his speech.

1549: He said Africa was the major global source for commodities that sustain the world economy. He said Mozambique has over  36 million hectares of arable land of  which only 5.4 million hectares is being used representing just 15 percent usage makes their invite to Zimbabwe important with the view to gain knowledge. Their presence is testimony of their desire to consolidate the two country’s relations to the economic field which are important for sustainable development.

1543: Our thanks are extended to the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society which is the convener of this event….the invitation is a show of the historical relations our people enjoy which are based on linguistic ties.  Over more than 35 years of existence of these friendly relations a lot has been done. The areas enacted as important include, trade and industry, tourism, justice among other have been enabling us to share a common will to see the two countries progress-President Nyusi.

1539: He thanks the people of Zimbabwe for the invite and welcome he has received as it is also his first working visit to Zimbabwe.

1536: President Nyusi is presenting his speech in Portuguese.

1535: Dr Mupawose has now invited president Nyusi to give his address.

Watch the video below

President Mugabe and his Mozambican counterpart Filipe Nyusi tour stands at Harare Agricultural Show in Harare.-Pic by Tawanda Mudimu

1533: He said the  society has continued to provide voluntary service in a difficult environment.

1532: Dr Mupawose said 460 organisations are taking part in this year’s show occupying 92%  of space in the show area. 92 new organisations are particiapting at this year’s show. He added that the society will continue to work hard to improve the show’s efficiency.

1529: The entertainments has been revamped but kept the entry fees at previous years’ levels.

1526: He said there’s a new discussion series on various topics with 25 topics being selected this year. There’s been an attempt to improve the quality of the exhibition. He says there’s been a complete revisit and overhaul of trophies and judges.

1525: ZAS president Dr Robbie Mupawose is now addressing the gathering.

1507:  The National Anthem rings around the Glamis Arena.

 1459: President Nyusi is now inspecting the Guard of Honour mounted by the Presidential Guard.

1454: President Mugabe and president Nyusi have arrived.

1452: Vice President Mnangagwa has arrived.

1448:  People are waiting for the arrival of President Mugabe and  the president of Mozambique. They will be arriving at the main arena anytime from now. Meanwhile, the First Lady has arrived.

1429: ZNA parade is now on the pitch and ready for inspection. Service chiefs are about to make their way to the main arena

 1413: Zimbabwe National Army band and officers marching into the main arena.

1350: Thousands are now gathered at the main arena for the official opening of this year’s Harare Agricultural show

1300: President Mugabe and his Mozambican counterpart Filipe Nyusi are now at Gughungo Holdings.

1230: President Mugabe has been presented with beast by a Chiredzi farmer.

1208:  President Mugabe and his Mozambican counterpart Filipe Nyusi are currently touring stands here.

President Mugabe at the Harare Agricultural Show. Pic by Lloyd Gumbo

1206:“People want land but we know it’s not everyone who can use it.  We want people who take up land and utilise  it. We know quite a number of farms are lying idle. Generally people are working hard and are doing well. We are under siege but people are resilient,” she said.

She says as the First Family they are working hard and are trying to lead by example in farming. She says they have a herd of over 3000 and are still importing to beef up the herd.  She says Alpha Omega are into value addition which is in line with ZimAsset. The company makes yoghurts, fruit drinks, long shelf milk and Amasi amongst other products.

Farmers with their goats and sheep. Pic by Lloyd Gumbo

1200: Amai Mugabe says from her observation all the stands have been taken adding that what is more exciting this year is that small grains are available
She hopes that the equipment coming from Brazil and Belarus will increase production. She says she is pushing hard for women who are growing small grains to benefit from the coming equipment. She says over the years, women have been depended on rain for their production but capacitation would improve production.

Dr Mugabe at Gushungo Holdings

1142:  Dr Mugabe is now at Splash paints stand and she has just met the world’s tallest man

1132: President Mugabe and his Mozambican counterpart Filipe Nyusi have arrived at the Exhibition Park.

President Mugabe and Mozambican President Felipe Nyusi. Pic by Lloyd Gumbo

1131: The First Lady is admiring hand made clothes and says ini ndirimuruki mukuru  so I appreciate good clothes. She requests to see the person who made the clothes.

“I want to see this person. Anogona,” She says.

1123: At Julius Nyerere Agricultural Produce, Amai is welcomed by singing women. They sing Titambire Mawuya Amai.

First lady Dr Mugabe being briefed by a Tongaat Hulett staffer. Pic by Simiso Mlevu

1118: Tongaat Hulett staffer tells Amai Mugabe that they support sugar cane farmers with inputs. She says Tongaat is the biggest employer in Zimbabwe (private sector) and they are not laying off like other companies. They have donated a tonne of sugar to the First Lady’s orphanage.

1112: Amai Mugabe is now touring stands here.

1104: Home Affairs Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo is among those waiting for the arrival of President Mugabe

1100: First Lady Amai Mugabe has arrived at the show

1046: A traditional dance group from Mufakose is entertaining people who are waiting for the arrival of President Mugabe and his Mozambican counterpart.

1038: The Harare Agricultural Show is set to be officially opened today Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi. President  Nyusi arrived in the country this morning and is set to tour  stands at the show with President Mugabe. The First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe is also set to tour the stands. President Mugabe and his Mozambican counterpart will be arriving here anytime from now.