By Admire Chitsungo
The Kadoma Agricultural Show has made a comeback after years of challenges and leadership disputes, drawing farmers, businesses and families to its 113th edition as organisers seek to restore the event’s former standing.
Held from October 1 to 3, the show brought together farmers, businesspeople, government departments, small businesses and agricultural institutions for three days of exhibitions, networking and entertainment.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo, represented at the official opening by Sanyati assistant district development coordinator Jabson Muringani, commended the Kadoma Agricultural Show Society for reviving the event.
Chombo also praised society chairperson Patson Madera for steering the organisation through the challenges that had threatened the show’s revival.
“The 113th edition marks a new chapter for Kadoma and Mashonaland West as a whole,” she said.
Agricultural shows, Chombo added, provided platforms for farmers and businesses to showcase innovations, exchange ideas and contribute to food security and economic growth.
She urged farmers to take advantage of government-supported programmes, including Pfumvudza/Intwasa, irrigation development and value-addition initiatives, to improve productivity and grow their businesses.
The event comes as organisers seek to rebuild the Kadoma Agricultural Show’s profile following years of executive disputes. Madera said the society remained focused on staging the event despite attempts by rival factions to stop it through legal action.
“Despite other factions trying to interdict us, we remained focused. We told ourselves that the show must go on and today we have delivered,” he said.
The showgrounds hosted a mix of commercial and agricultural exhibitions, with organisations including the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), Econet, Mukuru, Kadoma City Council, Muzvezve Catchment and Life Technical Training Institute among the exhibitors.
The participation of businesses, public institutions and small enterprises offered a platform to showcase products and services, engage potential customers and establish business connections.
Entertainment also formed part of the programme, with musicians Ngwere Diki and Zakaria, alongside DJ Clemmie, performing for visitors.
Children took part in activities including horse riding and face painting, adding to the family-oriented atmosphere.
Madera said the turnout demonstrated continued community support for the event and expressed gratitude to the government officials, exhibitors, farmers and members of the public who attended.
He pledged to build on this year’s edition, saying the society would work towards restoring the show to its former status.
“At the next edition, the show will be at another level. We are going to work day and night to ensure that the Kadoma Show reclaims its status as one of the best agricultural shows in Zimbabwe,” he said.
The challenge for organisers will now be to sustain the renewed interest, strengthen stakeholder participation and ensure the annual event delivers lasting benefits to farmers, businesses and the wider Kadoma community.
