Government strengthens agricultural value chains

Judith Phiri,Zimpapers Business Hub

THE Government continues to strengthen agricultural value chains by investing in aggregation centres, cold chains and post-harvest infrastructure to ensure food security in the wake of climate change.

Post-harvest infrastructure plays a crucial role in reducing food waste from farm to table. It requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on both reducing losses during production and consumption, and promoting sustainable practices across the entire food system.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said strengthening agricultural value chains was critical for food security.

“The Government is investing in aggregation centres, cold chains and post-harvest infrastructure. This connects farmers to stable, high-value markets while boosting incomes and trade competitiveness ensuring food security,” he said.

In May, President Mnangagwa commissioned the country’s first-ever artificial intelligence-powered grain silos at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB)’s Kwekwe depot, a critical post-harvest infrastructure.

The 56 000-tonne facility, features seven state-of-the-art silos and the high-tech depot is central to the Government’s broader strategy to modernise national grain storage infrastructure and strengthen food security.

The Kwekwe silos are part of a nationwide infrastructure drive by the Second Republic to bolster the country’s strategic grain reserves. The project includes the construction of 14 modern silo complexes in key agricultural zones such as Beitbridge, Gwanda, Lupane, Gokwe, Masvingo, and Timber Mills in Mutare.

The Government plans to commission one new or upgraded site at a time, with the ultimate goal of transforming 21 depots across the country by 2030.