Thembelihle Mhlanga
LUPANE – The Agricultural Technical and Extension Services (Agritex) has called on more farmers in Lupane District to participate in future agricultural shows, saying wider participation will help producers access technical expertise, agricultural inputs, financial services and new market opportunities.
The call came as the 2026 Lupane District Agricultural Show concluded after a successful three-day exhibition held from July 28 to 30. The annual event brought together communal and commercial farmers, livestock breeders, and agricultural service providers to showcase produce and livestock, exchange technical knowledge, and build partnerships across the agricultural value chain.
Farmers who participated in this year’s show described it as an important opportunity to benchmark their production standards, learn from fellow producers, and gain practical knowledge to improve productivity amid changing climatic conditions.
Among the standout exhibitors was Florence Nkomo, who took top honours in the small livestock category. She said participating in the show reinforced the importance of showcasing the achievements of communal farmers while creating opportunities to learn from others.
“It is truly rewarding for us as communal farmers to exhibit our hard work, produce and livestock on such a public platform,” Nkomo said.
“Taking the top award in the small livestock category shows that with dedication and proper advice from agricultural experts, our rural enterprises can thrive. I encourage fellow women and smallholder farmers not to keep their animals and crops at home but to bring them to the show so we can compare our standards, learn from one another, and continue improving.”
The exhibition featured a diverse range of displays, including drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum and pearl millet, alongside indigenous cattle breeds, goats and poultry, reflecting the district’s focus on building resilience in dry farming conditions.
Speaking during the official closing ceremony, Lupane District Agritex Officer Sandiso Bhebhe commended farmers for the quality of exhibits displayed throughout the event but said greater community participation would help maximise the benefits of future agricultural shows.
“We are immensely proud of the resilience and quality displayed by our farmers over these three days,” Bhebhe said.
“However, my call to the community is for mass participation in future showcases. Farmers must come out in their numbers because these events are not merely competitions; they are important networking platforms. Exhibiting gives farmers an opportunity to interact directly with seed companies, equipment suppliers, financial institutions, and agricultural experts who offer guidance on best farming practices.”
Bhebhe said Agritex remains committed to supporting farmers through extension services that promote climate-smart agriculture, improved small livestock management and the adoption of drought-tolerant seed varieties suited to Agro-Ecological Region IV, where rainfall patterns often present production challenges.
He said wider participation in agricultural exhibitions would strengthen knowledge-sharing among farmers while improving links between producers, agricultural experts, financial institutions, and agricultural input suppliers.
The Lupane District Agricultural Show continues to provide an important platform for promoting agricultural innovation, strengthening food security and supporting the commercialisation of smallholder agriculture in Matabeleland North.
Organisers expressed optimism that this year’s successful edition would encourage even greater participation in future shows and contribute to rural economic development across the district.
