AGRICULTURE continues to anchor Mashonaland Central’s economy, contributing 33 percent to the province’s Gross Domestic Product, as highlighted at the 2025 edition of the Mashonaland Central Agriculture Show.
During the official opening of the annual showcase, the government commended farmers in the province for their outstanding performance in maize production, recording the highest average yield per hectare countrywide.
“The province’s maize production for the season averaged 1.7 metric tonnes per hectare, reflecting the hard work and dedication of farmers. The province also anticipates a total production of 153 thousand metric tonnes after exceeding production by 3 percent,” Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo said.
Organisers highlighted their intention to consolidate the gains of the 2024/25 summer cropping season, in which farmers recorded bountiful harvests despite a late start to the season.
“The show is a success for the 2024 to 2025 season, and the government supported us with farming implements. This show is meant to showcase how we performed as a nation in the last cropping season, in line with the national vision,” Mashonaland Central Agriculture Show Society Secretary General, Mr Josphat Mukwena noted.
Gracious Muchengu, the winning smallholder farmer at this year’s show, was elated for coming tops as well as learning new things from the exhibitions.
“I am elated to have won, though I was not expecting it. I had tobacco and sugar beans. I planted five hectares of the golden leaf. I came to this show to learn, and I have learnt a lot,: she said.
Exhibitors from various organisations applauded show organisers for creating a platform to network and enhance market visibility.
“As Nyaradzo Funeral Assurance, we are grateful as a company for winning an award, and we were also marketing our firm,” exhibitor Josphat Jekera expressed.
“We are happy that we were able to scoop the prize after a long time without winning. We were well prepared, and I want to thank my team,” Artillery Brigade, Major Thomas Tivabereke added.
The agricultural show, which ran under the theme ‘innovative solutions for development,’ attracted 68 companies, an improvement from last year’s 63, and featured a business conference and a farmer training workshop.
