Online Reporter
Takudzwa Manzero
Post Correspondent
THE Artificial Intelligence-powered silos at Mutare Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Depot are nearing completion — with 80 percent of the project already completed, a Cabinet Minister has revealed.
Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka toured the facilities last week, and expressed optimism that they will be fully operational by mid-July — marking a significant milestone in Government’s broader strategy to enhance food security through improved agricultural productivity and post-harvest handling infrastructure.
Reports of the completion of the state-of-the-art AI-powered grain silos could not come at a more opportune time as grain farmers in Manicaland harvested an impressive 394 000 metric tonnes of maize, and 77 000 metric tonnes of traditional grains — totalling 471 000 metric tonnes — which require storage in safe and modern facilities to ensure food security for the province’s growing population.
This season, Manicaland planted 277 663 hectares of maize, and harvested a whopping 394 326 metric tonnes of maize, at an average yield of 1,42 metric tonnes per hectare.
In the previous season, the province planted 275 047 hectares, and harvested 112 765 metric tonnes at an average yield of 0,41 metric tonnes per hectare.
This represents a 250 percent increase in production compared to the 2023/24 season, illustrating the recovery from the devastating effects of the El Niño weather phenomenon experienced in the previous season, thanks to above-normal rainfall and improved agronomic practices implemented throughout the season.
The AI-powered silos, boasting a substantial storage capacity, will revolutionise grain storage for Manicaland.
With the ability to store vast quantities of grain, the cutting-edge facilities will provide a secure and modern solution for the whopping harvest, and by leveraging AI technology, the silos will optimise storage conditions, monitor grain quality, and minimise losses, resultantly safeguarding food security and empowering local farmers to thrive in the agricultural sector.
“The Mutare GMB Depot is one of the 14 sites that President Mnangagwa, in his unprecedented step to ensure food security for the nation, has directed that we construct additional storage facilities. The AI-powered silos, boasting a total storage capacity of 56 000 metric tonnes, will provide a cutting-edge solution for storing the bountiful grain harvest. Each of the seven bins has a capacity of 8 000 metric tonnes.
“The silos are already 80 complete. We expect the construction project to be completed by July 20, in time for the wheat intake. The tour has demonstrated the commitment of the project proponents, and more importantly, it has showcased the capabilities of Zimbabwean engineers as capable, professional, and competent. I am very pleased with the work undertaken by this team,” said Minister Masuka.
He added: “Recently, His Excellency, President Mnangagwa commissioned silos in Kwekwe. These silos here are an exact replica, and we plan to construct similar silos at five additional sites. The modern features of these silos include dust extractors at intake level, and an inbuilt 100-tonne-per-hour dryer, which adjusts according to the moisture content at intake. Unlike traditional silos, the new silos will have automated systems, eliminating the need to keep a silo empty for grain turning.
“These silos are designed to be well-ventilated, removing the need for grain turning. This means that the full volume of 56 000 metric tonnes can be utilised, which is a significant advantage. The silos are equipped with internal probes, enabling the GMB chief executive officer in Harare to remotely monitor grain intake and outtake.”
The silos will also feature sensitive automated cooling systems, ensuring that grain is maintained at optimal moisture and temperature levels before being stored in the silo.
The advanced methods will guarantee a prolonged shelf life for the grains, protecting them from mould and pest damage.
The round tower silos, commonly used for storing grain, silage, and other bulk materials, are constructed vertically.
This design makes them ideal for storing large quantities of material in a compact footprint, maximising storage capacity while minimising space requirements.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said the province was ecstatic as the construction of the silos nears completion.
“We would like to thank our President, Dr Mnangagwa for ensuring that Manicaland has these silos. We will not disappoint him, as our farmers in Manicaland have the capability to fill the silos. I can confirm that we have harvested 394 000 metric tonnes of maize and 77 000 metric tonnes of traditional grains — totalling 471 000 metric tonnes — a very promising sign.
“Furthermore, with our irrigation schemes being revamped and new dams being constructed, Manicaland is poised to become a leading producer of agricultural produce in the country. We cannot complain, we are delighted and eagerly await the commissioning of these silos. This development also means that during times of hardship, we will no longer face the challenges of transporting grain from distant locations. The silos are now conveniently located close to home, which will be a welcome relief for our people,” he said, adding that similar facilities are also being constructed at GMB Timber Mills in Headlands in Makoni District.
Acting Manicaland Provincial Mechanisation Engineer, Engineer Farai Nyamhunga said they had made significant progress, with the silos successfully installed.
“We have also completed the installation of the silo dryer, drying tower, cooling tower, and moisture control room. Currently, we are working on the outstanding components, including the furnace room, coal warehouse, dispatching room, and power room. This project will help us by increasing storage capacity from the existing 52 000 metric tonnes, which was previously accommodated in open spaces, with the addition of 56 000 metric tonnes when construction is complete,” he said.
