Story by Fungai Jachi
MORE than 200 000 farmers in Masvingo province are set to benefit from seven AI-powered smart silos under construction at the Rutenga Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depot in Mwenezi.
The silos, which have a combined 56 000-tonne storage capacity, are expected to be completed by August.
This is in addition to the Smart silos in Mutare and Kwekwe, which were commissioned last year and are already fully operational, as the government is adopting modern ways for optimal grain storage.
The Government project aims to enhance food security by using AI to track moisture, temperature and levels to reduce post-harvest losses.
“We have completed three out of the seven AI-powered silos. Installation for two of these is about to begin. The warehouse and intake shed are nearing completion, and we have all the materials required to proceed without interruption,” said Site Engineer Victor Bingura.
Engineer Bingura added that the silos are designed to store multiple grain types efficiently.
“Each silo can hold 8 000 metric tonnes. They are versatile, capable of storing different grains, and will significantly increase storage capacity. We are on track to commission the facility by mid-year,” he said.
The US$14 million project is part of a broader government strategy to enhance agricultural productivity and strengthen food security nationwide, particularly for smallholder and commercial farmers in southern Zimbabwe.
Officials note that by combining technology and infrastructure, the initiative will contribute to stabilising grain markets, improving farmer incomes, and reducing losses caused by spoilage.
