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The Tobacco Research Board trading as Kutsaga continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in agricultural innovation and sustainability, achieving double recognition at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) 2024 while challenging giants like Econet Wireless Zimbabwe.
In a notable achievement, Kutsaga was named the Second Runner Up Overall Best Exhibiting Stand at ZAS2024, in a category where Econet Wireless Zimbabwe emerged as the winner and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces the First Runner Up. This accolade underscores Kutsaga’s growing influence and competitive edge, even in categories traditionally dominated by well-established and advanced corporations.
Being named the Second Runner-Up Overall Best Exhibiting Stand is a testament to Kutsaga’s comprehensive and impactful presentation at the ZAS 2024. The stand highlighted the institution’s cutting-edge agricultural research and development initiatives, including its work on climate-resilient crops, sustainable farming practices, and advanced agricultural technologies. Visitors to the stand were able to witness first-hand the tangible benefits of Kutsaga’s research and its contributions to the agricultural value chain.
Kutsaga, Public Relations, and Communications Officer, Mr. Tatenda Mugabe affirmed the board’s commitment to excellence, “This distinction we have unveiled at ZAS 2024 highlights Kutsaga’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, particularly in the context of climate-smart agriculture, we are in a new age and we are living no place and no one behind.”
This success comes on the heels of another Kutsaga recognition at the same event, where the organization was honored with the award for Best Organisation Exhibiting Sustainable Conservation Practices. Asked how they managed to achieve this fit, Mr Tatenda Mugabe added, “We never stop to learn beyond our agricultural industry frontiers. There is something to learn from other players across all sectors of the economy and we refine towards sustainability and compatibility with industry trends and best practice”.
Kutsaga’s recent achievements at ZAS 2024 happened at the time the institution’s new Chief Executive Officer, Dr Frank Magama was aggressively transforming the board through manpower and structural realignments. The redeployments are based on individual strengths in pursuit of achieving self-sustenance by 2025 through Kutsaga’s expanded mandate.
Dr. Magama stated “The transformation reflects Kutsaga’s dedication to driving innovation and excellence in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. The organization is focused on pioneering advancements in several key research areas, including; 4th industrial technologies in agricultural production, biopharming, climate-smart technologies and methods, cannabis and industrial hemp varieties, and seed potato production towards national seed security, nutrition security and food security.”
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show is one of Zimbabwe’s premier agricultural events, showcasing the latest advancements in the sector. Kutsaga’s awards at this event underscore the organisation’s dedication to driving sustainable agricultural practices and its significant contributions to the industry.
The recognitions at ZAS 2024 are the latest in a series of accolades for Kutsaga, which has been consistently acknowledged for its contributions to innovation and sustainable practices. Earlier this year, Kutsaga was the recipient of several awards, including:
- Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) National Business Awards
- 1st Runner-Up in the 2023 Innovation of the Year Award
- Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Mashonaland Region Awards
- Winner’s Certificate in the 2023 Innovation of the Year Award
- Mhondoro-Ngezi Show Society Awards
- Certificate of Achievement Winner’s Certificate in the 2024 Companies Category
- ZimTrade Awards
- Agricultural Inputs Exporters Award 2023
These recognitions further affirm Kutsaga’s leadership and innovative approach in the agricultural sector. As Kutsaga continues to pursue its strategic objectives, the organization remains committed to advancing Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape through research, innovation, and sustainable practices.
