Four of seven Kwekwe AI silos now full

Theseus Shambare

FOUR of the seven artificial intelligence (AI)-powered silos at the recently opened Kwekwe Silo Depot are already full, holding over 32 000 tonnes of maize, as the country’s ambitious Silo Modernisation and Grain Expansion Project comes to fruition.

The Midlands facility, officially launched by President Mnangagwa in May, has a capacity of 56 000 tonnes across its seven silos, each storing about 8000 tonnes.

“Already, four of the seven silos are full, which translates to more than 32 000 tonnes of grain delivered,” said Engineer Edwin Zimunga, the chief director for agricultural engineering, mechanisation and farm infrastructure development in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.

“This is from early crop harvests that were dried and stored before farmers moved quickly into winter wheat planting. Early planting means a bigger yield, and we expect a strong harvest this year.”

The depot’s AI-powered systems integrate internet of things (IoT) sensors and real-time monitoring to automatically regulate temperature, humidity and aeration, while detecting pest activity. Alerts are sent to operators instantly, reducing the need for manual handling and sharply lowering the risk of spoilage.

Experts believe this technology will significantly reduce post-harvest losses, which the University of Zimbabwe estimates at 18,5 percent for maize — losses valued at roughly US$259 per tonne. Globally, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) places post-harvest losses at nearly 30 percent.

“This is a game-changer for farmers,” said Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Dr Shadreck Makombe.

“We have been losing too much grain due to poor storage and pests. These smart silos protect our harvest and incomes.”

Meanwhile, the Mutare AI-powered depot is 95 percent complete and set for commissioning in the coming weeks. Engineers are finalising landscaping and installing the automation systems at the depot, which is expected to handle its first intake of winter wheat from the 2025 season.

“Mutare is unique because it is our trade gateway for agricultural commodities,” said Eng Zimunga.

“With the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) in place, it will be our route to export grain and regain our breadbasket status.”

Located near the Mozambique border, Mutare’s facility is strategically positioned to serve both local farmers and regional markets, making it a launchpad for Zimbabwe’s grain exports under the AfCFTA.

The Silo Modernisation and Grain Expansion Project, launched in 2022, seeks to double the National Strategic Grain Reserve from 750 000 tonnes to 1,5 million tonnes by 2028.

Fourteen depots are being built or upgraded nationwide, with Mhangura, Mvurwi and Timber Mills scheduled to follow Mutare in the rollout. For the Government, the initiative will help boost food security, rural incomes and export potential. “By 2028, we will have completed the expansion and will keep modernising to meet future needs.”