The Oshikuku Agricultural and Training Expo aims to provide financing opportunities, promote modern farming and empower local farmers through information-sharing, the organisers have said.
For this year, the expo will be held under the theme, ‘Promoting modern agriculture in Africa and beyond’, and will take place from 24 to 29 October at the Oshikuku Town Lodge.
According to the expo’s chairperson, Parastus Nepolo, over 50 farmers will be given an opportunity to partake in both the exhibition and training opportunities, and additional information on how to secure funding, modernise farming activities and access markets will also be shared.
“Deputy minister of Agriculture Anna Shiweda will officiate the event on 25 October, and our aim is to ensure this expo is not profit-driven, but that it creates a platform for our farmers to have their products showcased and also learn more from the various experts who will be coming,” said Nepolo.
He further shared that the aim is to give northern farmers insight into how other farmers across the infamous Redline are conducting their business, and how they too came to benefit from the many opportunities available.
“Many farmers have already shown interest and have submitted their applications to partake in the expo. We are expecting more applications – and as for this year, we will be charging N$100 for registration, so that we make it affordable for almost everyone,” said Nepolo.
He urged farmers to hurry and grab the available spots by registering early, as the expo will offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
“The problem is that there are no platforms created to help our farmers and residents market their businesses; that is why we are here. The expo has so much planned, especially in the areas of establishing small gardens and how to operate businesses,” he said.
Generally, such agriculture expos offer untapped opportunities for agribusinesses to market their goods and services, enabling them to create eye-catching exhibits, signage and marketing materials that reflect their brand identity. Agri expos provide a stage for small-scale farmers to interact with prospective clients through marketing materials, product samples, demonstrations and presentations, effectively showcasing the benefits and value of their products and services.
Also, attendees have the opportunity to investigate potential business opportunities, form alliances with other attendees and work together, creating new sales leads, distribution channels, as well as industry connections. –vkaapanda@nepc.com.na