The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show {ZAS] commenced today with a positive outlook, as two economic giants which consists of the agricultural sector and the mining industry realised the need to work together in order to alleviate the growth of the Zimbabwean economy.
The show which was supposed to kick on yesterday was delayed as ZAS was finalizing preparations for the start of the 2021 exhibition show.
Various institutions in the agricultural sector, mining industry and other stakeholders are already waiting for visitors to come and see different projects at Harare Agricultural show.
Some of the stakeholders which are already waiting for people to come and see various projects at the ZAS incudes Barzem which was established over 70 years ago as the local Caterpillar dealer, Old Mutual which offers a wide range of affordable and comprehensive insurance investment and Feedmix which produces stock feeds.
Speaking during a mining and agriculture breakfast interface at Harare Agricultural Show this morning, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement, Hon Vangelis Haritatos urged the mining industry and the agricultural sector to work together as they share similar characteristics in their operations.
“Again the close relationship between the two sectors is brought into focus by their use of the same resource “the land” farmers use the top soil while miners dig deeper underground. Often the relationship is volatile and fraught with conflicts that flare up between farmers and miners in terms of land use and rights but the fact that we are here together as mining and agriculture players speak volumes about the ties that binds us together which are stronger than the forces that seek to separate us,” he said.
Haritatos encouraged the mining industry to invest more in agriculture because of their financial strength adding that they can use that to boost the Zimbabwean agricultural produce.
Meanwhile, ZAS assured the nation that vaccinated and unvaccinated people are both allowed to attend the show but unvaccinated people will be tested before entering.
ZAS Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andrew Matibiri added that every entrance at the exhibition will be equipped with a walk sanitiser booth and drone surveillance shall be used to manage the crowds as a way to prevent the spread of the corona virus.
Currently, Zimbabwe Red cross Society and the Ministry of Health have set up vaccination centres during the 6 day Show for visitors conveniences.
The official opening of the show will be held on Thursday this week.
