Rutendo Mazhindu – Zim Now Reporter
The 2025 ADMA Agricultural Show spotlighted a major transformation in Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape, with smart farming technologies and sustainable practices taking centre stage.
According to Macdonald Mutengo, Lead Research Officer at the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries, this year’s exhibition revealed a clear shift toward innovation, climate resilience, and value addition across the farming sector.
“We are seeing a significant rise in companies offering renewable energy solutions, such as solar systems tailored for agriculture,” Mutengo said. “This is not just about energy efficiency—it’s also about reducing operational costs for farmers.”
Discussions were largely dominated by the impacts of climate change and the urgent need to climate-proof agriculture. Exhibitors showcased cutting-edge technologies including precision irrigation systems, agricultural robotics, and solar-powered farming solutions.
“These innovations are no longer futuristic—they’re fast becoming the new standard,” added Mutengo. “They’re enabling farmers to adopt data-driven, resource-efficient methods that reduce input costs while improving yields.”
He noted that embracing smart farming could help tackle persistent challenges such as low productivity, which has contributed to high food prices and weakened Zimbabwe’s agro-processing competitiveness.
“We believe this transition will revitalise the entire agricultural value chain by boosting productivity at the farm level,” Mutengo said.
Among the notable developments were projects focused on breeding hemp varieties suited to Zimbabwe’s climate, as well as developing value-added products like fibre boards.
“This is an exciting development. Hemp offers a viable alternative crop, particularly in the face of tightening global tobacco regulations,” he said. “It also opens up opportunities in green manufacturing and export markets.”
Mutengo emphasised that such innovations align with Zimbabwe’s broader industrialisation goals and have the potential to create jobs while positioning the country as a player in global agri-industrial markets.
“With the right policies and sustained investment, we can transform our agricultural sector into a sustainable and competitive industry,” he said.
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