The National University of Science and Technology (NUST), is this week among the leading institutions participating at the 115th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, which opened it’s gates to the business sector on Monday 25th August, under the theme “Building Bridges: Connecting Agriculture, Industry and Community.” NUST is once again exhibiting at its traditional Stand Number 10, in the Eastend Hall.
NUST’s presence this year reflects a dynamic blend of innovation, academic outreach, and sustainable development. Visitors to the stand are engaging with two standout agricultural projects that exemplify the university’s commitment to transforming Zimbabwe’s agro sector through science and technology.
One of the featured innovations is Agrow263, a project led by student Tantswa Mapfumo. It pioneers a closed-loop farming system that integrates aquaculture and crop cultivation to maximise efficiency and minimise environmental impact. By recycling nutrients and conserving water, Agrow263 offers a scalable solution for year-round food production in both urban and rural settings. The model addresses key challenges such as land scarcity, drought vulnerability, and soil degradation, positioning itself as a resilient alternative to conventional agriculture.
Also on display is Pa-morsh ProMix Meal, developed by Lecturer Linda Ndiweni in collaboration with 8tins. This livestock feed range is inspired by the natural foraging habits of chickens and powered by Black Soldier Fly (BSF) protein. The ProMix Concentrate, when mixed with maize, replicates a balanced, protein-rich diet. The Broiler Range, Starter, Grower, and Finisher, supports poultry development from day-old chicks to market-ready birds, enhancing immunity, muscle growth, and meat quality. The result is healthier flocks and improved returns for farmers, all while promoting sustainable feed practices.
Another project on display is being showcased by lecturer, Mr Ngonidzashe Mangoma, a biofertiliser project which is a mixture of live micro-organisms that are capable of promoting crop growth by making otherwise inaccessible soil nutrients easily available to crops. Due to the fact that several soil nutrients are present in a form that is inaccessible to crops, this type of fertilizer is very ideal in that it aids crops to absorb the nutrients from the soil more efficiently. This project will help farmers move from chemical-based fertilizers, often expensive and not eco-friendly, to this bio-based fertilizer which is environmentally friendly, affordable, easily accessible and sustainable to farmers as all ingredients to make the biofertiliser are readily available locally, guaranteeing all year-round supply. This project aims to produce biofertilisers for specific soil types and crops, as well as customise fertiliser production as per request by the farmer.
In addition to its innovation showcase, NUST is offering on-the-spot enrollment for its August 2025 intake. With orientation activities already underway in Bulawayo, this initiative allows prospective students to explore academic programs and secure their place at the university during the show week.
Visitors can also learn about NUST’s newest academic development, the Faculty of Agricultural Science and Technology. This faculty is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge innovations and technologies that address Zimbabwe’s agricultural challenges. It aims to equip students and researchers with the tools to drive transformation across the agro-industrial value chain.
NUST’s participation at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show underscores its role as a bridge between academia, industry, and community. The exhibition runs until Saturday, August 30, 2025, with NUST’s stand offering a compelling vision of agriculture’s future in Zimbabwe.
NUST’s presence this year reflects a dynamic blend of innovation, academic outreach, and sustainable development. Visitors to the stand are engaging with two standout agricultural projects that exemplify the university’s commitment to transforming Zimbabwe’s agro sector through science and technology.
One of the featured innovations is Agrow263, a project led by student Tantswa Mapfumo. It pioneers a closed-loop farming system that integrates aquaculture and crop cultivation to maximise efficiency and minimise environmental impact. By recycling nutrients and conserving water, Agrow263 offers a scalable solution for year-round food production in both urban and rural settings. The model addresses key challenges such as land scarcity, drought vulnerability, and soil degradation, positioning itself as a resilient alternative to conventional agriculture.
Also on display is Pa-morsh ProMix Meal, developed by Lecturer Linda Ndiweni in collaboration with 8tins. This livestock feed range is inspired by the natural foraging habits of chickens and powered by Black Soldier Fly (BSF) protein. The ProMix Concentrate, when mixed with maize, replicates a balanced, protein-rich diet. The Broiler Range, Starter, Grower, and Finisher, supports poultry development from day-old chicks to market-ready birds, enhancing immunity, muscle growth, and meat quality. The result is healthier flocks and improved returns for farmers, all while promoting sustainable feed practices.
Another project on display is being showcased by lecturer, Mr Ngonidzashe Mangoma, a biofertiliser project which is a mixture of live micro-organisms that are capable of promoting crop growth by making otherwise inaccessible soil nutrients easily available to crops. Due to the fact that several soil nutrients are present in a form that is inaccessible to crops, this type of fertilizer is very ideal in that it aids crops to absorb the nutrients from the soil more efficiently. This project will help farmers move from chemical-based fertilizers, often expensive and not eco-friendly, to this bio-based fertilizer which is environmentally friendly, affordable, easily accessible and sustainable to farmers as all ingredients to make the biofertiliser are readily available locally, guaranteeing all year-round supply. This project aims to produce biofertilisers for specific soil types and crops, as well as customise fertiliser production as per request by the farmer.
In addition to its innovation showcase, NUST is offering on-the-spot enrollment for its August 2025 intake. With orientation activities already underway in Bulawayo, this initiative allows prospective students to explore academic programs and secure their place at the university during the show week.
Visitors can also learn about NUST’s newest academic development, the Faculty of Agricultural Science and Technology. This faculty is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge innovations and technologies that address Zimbabwe’s agricultural challenges. It aims to equip students and researchers with the tools to drive transformation across the agro-industrial value chain.
NUST’s participation at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show underscores its role as a bridge between academia, industry, and community. The exhibition runs until Saturday, August 30, 2025, with NUST’s stand offering a compelling vision of agriculture’s future in Zimbabwe.
