Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWE is stepping up efforts to industrialise its agricultural sector through the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, robotics, automation and precision farming, which are transforming global food production systems.
This came out following high-level engagements by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development at the world’s largest agricultural machinery exhibition — Agritechnica 2025 — held in Hanover, Germany.
These technologies involve the use of smart machines capable of analysing soil conditions, automating irrigation, predicting weather patterns and monitoring crop health using data-driven systems — all designed to boost productivity and ensure food security.
Already, Zimbabwe has begun embracing this new digital era in agriculture.
The Government recently commissioned AI-powered grain silos in Kwekwe and Mutare, which automatically monitor grain quality, temperature and storage conditions in real time.
The silos represent a significant step toward integrating smart technologies into agricultural value chains, ensuring minimal post-harvest losses and improved food management systems.
Officials say this renewed thrust to embed modern technologies across the entire production cycle — from land preparation to post-harvest management — is expected to transform the sector’s performance.
The agricultural industry, currently valued at US$10,3 billion for the 2024/25 season, is projected to grow by 53 percent to US$15,8 billion by 2030, as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to mechanise and digitise farming under its Vision 2030 agenda.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos said the mission to Germany was part of the Second Republic’s drive to close the mechanisation and irrigation gaps that continue to limit agricultural productivity.
“We finally completed our tour of Hanover, Germany, where we attended a mechanisation show. It has been a true success. We have held numerous meetings where we discussed our Zimbabwe story — about closing the mechanisation deficit we have,” said Deputy Minister Haritatos.
The Zimbabwean delegation was attending Agritechnica 2025, the world’s largest agricultural machinery exhibition that was held in Hanover, Germany.
The fair attracts over 400 000 visitors and showcases innovations in smart farming, AI applications, robotics and green technologies from more than 2 000 exhibitors worldwide.
Deputy Minister Haritatos said Zimbabwe’s participation provided an opportunity to engage leading manufacturers, including John Deere, Case, and Zoomlion, who expressed readiness to collaborate with the country on mechanisation and irrigation projects.
