By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA –

PREPARATIONS for the 89th Agricultural and Commercial show have reached an advanced stage, with 150 cattle to be displayed at livestock section.
The show will open its gates to the public on Wednesday, July 29 to August 3, 2015.
A check by TIMES over the weekend found a number of companies working on their stands with others doing some final touches.
The show grounds infrastructure rehabilitation was almost complete in readiness for this week premier show.
The roads in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) have been paved and turnstile gates have also been created to ease the flow of the show goers.
The Lusaka show is the premier national agricultural and commercial show, which features among others, agriculture exhibits, livestock, industrial equipments and business and services as well as entertainment and sporting activities.
Agricultural and Commercial Society of Zambia (ACSZ) president Murray Anderson said this year the number of cattle has increased to 150 and they will be on display at the livestock section.
“This year we expect to have an increased number of cattle on display at the livestock section following a number of measures taken like improving on the bio-security, infrastructure renovations and good cooperation from our partners,” Mr Anderson said.
Among other livestock to be on display include pigs, goats, sheep, ostriches and various birds.
Mr Anderson said in Lusaka that breeding centres would be participating to demonstrate what the Government was doing in improving the livestock sector in the country.
The society announced that the demonstration plots have shifted to the western side next to livestock section which is big enough to accommodate a good number of companies and the Zambia National Service (ZNS) to grow various vegetables.
Next to the demonstration plots will be new fish ponds with different species from the 10 provinces.
As always, the Lima and Young farmers hall will house the provincial exhibits where provinces and individuals farmers will exhibit their produce and compete for national and individual awards.
The agricultural hall will carter for various departments of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and their partners.
At the musical band stand entertainment will provided by Congolese musician Guy Guy Falle of the ‘Mama lets go’, Fame and Mbuta Likasu.
This will be complimented by 13 most popular local musical groups.
On the sporting side, they will be horse riding, motor cross, motor rally, boxing, various cultural groups, and mass movement by the majorettes, among others.
It is noted that security will be provided by Zambia Police Service and traffic will be controlled by the Road Traffic Safety Agency (RTSA).
The show is expected to be opened by Malawian President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and President Edgar Lungu.