Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
CONSTRUCTION of Artificial Intelligence-powered grain silos at the Grain Marketing Board Mutare and Timbermills depots is progressing well, with the structures now 72 and 12 percent complete, respectively.
Commissioning is expected shortly after June this year.
The Mutare silos, located along Mutare-Chimanimani Highway, will be the second site to be commissioned, following the recent launch of a similar facility in Kwekwe by President Mnangagwa.
Manicaland has two modern silos under construction, with the second located at GMB Timbermills Depot in Headlands.
Each silo has a carrying capacity of 56 000 tonnes.
The construction of these silos aligns with Government’s objective to increase the national strategic grain reserves from 750 000 tonnes to 1,5 million tonnes.
Nationwide, Government is constructing automated mega silos at 14 centres, aiming to increase the national strategic grain reserves threefold from 500 000 to 1,5 million metric tonnes.
Five additional silos are currently under construction in Mashonaland West, Matabeleland North, Masvingo, and Mashonaland Central provinces, with completion expected within 18 months.
The Manicaland silos will play a crucial role in handling grain imports during drought years and exports during years of surplus.
The Timbermills silos, currently 12 percent complete, will serve Makoni District — which is the grain basket of the province, and parts of Mashonaland East.
Acting Manicaland provincial mechanisation engineer in the Department of Agricultural Engineering Mechanisation and Farm Infrastructure Development, Engineer Fungai Nyamhunga said construction is progressing smoothly at the GMB Mutare Depot.
He said the new facility will enable the handling of multiple grains — including maize, wheat, and traditional grains — simultaneously, which was not possible with the previous pallet system.
“At Mutare GMB Depot, we are witnessing the construction of seven silos, each with an 8 000 metric tonne capacity. The Mutare silos are now 72 percent complete, and will be commissioned soon. This nationwide project aims to enhance our national strategic grain reserve from 500 000 to 1,5 million metric tonnes.
“The project is an initiative to modernise our 14 Grain Marketing Board depots across the country. The new facilities will increase our current storage capacity, enabling the handling of multiple grains such as maize, wheat, and others simultaneously, which was not possible before.
“The automated system will facilitate easy monitoring of temperatures, volumes in the silos, and moisture content of the grain. The modernised silo structures will significantly improve our grain handling efficiency. Our farmers will no longer need to worry about the moisture content of their grain before delivery to GMB, as everything will be handled on-site. The structure will also handle grain imports during droughts and store grain meant for export,” he said.
The modernised silo structures will also facilitate the handling of grain imports during droughts and store grain meant for export.
“Mutare’s strategic location as a gateway to the sea makes it an ideal hub for significant activity. Another project of similar magnitude is underway at GMB Timbermills in Headlands, with construction currently at 12 percent. The Timbermills Depot was chosen due to Makoni’s status as the highest grain-producing region in Manicaland,” he said.
Project site engineer at Mutare Depot, Engineer Tanaka Matondo spoke on the cutting-edge technology integrated into the silos.
“We are constructing seven silos equipped with advanced tools, featuring automated systems that utilise Artificial Intelligence. This will significantly enhance efficiency and protect grain from rodents, insects, and post-harvest losses.
“The silos operate on a first-in, first-out system, and are equipped with blowers for treating grain against pests. With a lifespan of over 50 years, these silos are designed with safety in mind, featuring steel shields with fire-resistant properties,” said Engineer Matondo.
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