Tinotenda Hove- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has toured key agricultural exhibition stands at the ongoing 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS), highlighting government-backed initiatives in agriculture, research, tobacco development and food security.

Mnangagwa visited stands belonging to the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), Kutsaga Research and the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), where he was briefed on programmes and innovations aimed at boosting agricultural production.

The tour comes as the government continues to promote increased domestic food production and modernisation of the agricultural sector, with food security remaining a major policy priority.

ARDA showcased its agricultural programmes, while Kutsaga Research presented developments in agricultural research.

The TIMB stand focused on developments within Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry, one of the country’s key agricultural export sectors.

However, the government’s repeated emphasis on agricultural transformation has also raised questions about whether the innovations being showcased at exhibitions such as ZAS are translating into tangible improvements for ordinary farmers.

Smallholder farmers continue to face challenges including high input costs, access to affordable finance, erratic weather conditions, limited irrigation infrastructure and difficulties accessing reliable markets.

The President’s tour therefore places renewed focus on the gap between agricultural projects showcased at national events and the everyday realities confronting farmers across the country.

The 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show continues in Harare under the theme of promoting agricultural development, innovation and investment.