Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
THE construction of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered grain silos at the Mhangura Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depot is now 78 percent complete, with the 58 000-tonne facility expected to be operational by next month.
The upgrade will transform the decades-old depot, which was originally built in the 1960s.
The old depot had relied on open stockpile storage methods, as underground copper mining in the area prevented the installation of concrete silo bins.
However, the new climate-smart infrastructure will replace the outdated system, introducing AI technology to automate grain sorting, moisture detection, drying and temperature control.
These systems will enable the depot to process grain from the moment it is received, reducing post-harvest losses and preserving quality for longer periods.
Site construction manager Engineer Hurbert Mudhuviwa confirmed the project was on track for completion in September.
“What makes this facility unique is the integration of AI systems — from automated sorting to moisture and temperature management. It is designed to minimise losses and preserve grain quality from day one,” he said.
The depot will offer farmers a one-stop post-harvest service, streamlining processing and storage, while bolstering the country’s strategic food reserves, particularly in the face of erratic rainfall patterns linked to climate change.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka, who toured the project with Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo last week, said Mhangura was one of several AI-powered depots planned nationwide.
“We have a comprehensive food production strategy that will see our silo storage capacity grow from the current 750 000 tonnes to 1,5 million tonnes by 2028.
“These facilities will support rising production levels and ensure every grain harvested is safely stored,” Minister Masuka said.
The Mhangura depot, he added, would be ready to receive this year’s winter wheat crop.
Minister Masuka also called it “one of the signature projects of President Mnangagwa, similar to the Kwekwe AI-powered silos”.
Minister Chombo said the facility would be a major boost for local farmers, who previously had to travel long distances to find secure storage.
“This facility is a huge relief for farmers who have previously lost grain due to long travel distances and moisture problems,” she said.
“I urge all farmers in this region to take full advantage of this depot once it opens in September.
“We are anticipating a bumper wheat harvest, so this facility has been established at the right time.”
Bongani Ndlovu