By Godwin Gumbo

Plumtree, Zimbabwe – After a 16-year hiatus, Bulilima District, through its Agritex office, successfully revived its District Agricultural Show, held at Plumtree High School. The event marked a significant milestone in restoring agricultural enthusiasm and innovation in this Ecological Region V district.

The show brought together communal farmers, development partners, government departments, and the Bulilima Rural District Council to celebrate agricultural resilience and rural development. A total of 106 exhibitors participated, showcasing over 500 exhibits ranging from traditional crops to livestock feed, crafts, and innovative farming techniques.

Speaking at the event, the Guest of Honour, Mrs. S. Sibanda, Director of Agritex for Matabeleland South—represented by the Deputy Director Mr.B Ncube—hailed the event as a success and urged stakeholders to scale up future editions.

“Let’s make this event grow bigger. We need to transform it into a fully-fledged agricultural and trade fair that attracts all economic players in Bulilima. A diverse organizing committee will help drive rural development and attract even more exhibitors next year,” said Mr. Ncube.

He emphasized the critical role of farmers in ensuring food security — an essential component of achieving Vision 2030.

Key development agencies used the platform to share vital information with farmers. ZimParks conducted a session on managing human-wildlife conflict, particularly stray elephants. EMA warned of the approaching fire season and emphasized the importance of maintaining fireguards to protect farmlands. Seed companies such as Agriseeds and K2 encouraged the use of drought-tolerant varieties to withstand shifting weather patterns.

The show was made possible through the support of partners and sponsors, including all local stakeholders.

Farmers proudly showcased their best produce from the previous season—cultural staples like sorghum, millet, and groundnuts, along with fresh horticulture, livestock feed, and eye-catching crafts. These exhibits competed for top honours in various categories.

Many attendees expressed joy at the return of the show, seeing it as a platform for unity, knowledge-sharing, and farmer recognition.

“I can see hoes, fertilizer, and seed — if we win, our preparations for the next farming season will be halfway done,” said Gogo Nleya, who came to support her daughter-in-law.

The coveted Overall Best Exhibitor award went to Beauty Tshuma of Gambo Village in Ward 5. She walked away with an ox-drawn plough, a bag of seed, a 50kg bag of fertilizer, and other prizes.

“Farming is like owning a shop — you always have something to sell and food for your family,” she said.

Beauty encouraged more women to explore farming and highlighted the importance of irrigation in staying productive and supplying fresh produce to local communities.

With renewed enthusiasm and strong stakeholder support, the Bulilima Agricultural Show is set to become an annual tradition, driving improved agricultural practices and inspiring more farmers to aim higher.