Story by Tamuka Charakupa
ZIMBABWE is poised for increased cereal production as construction of a new AI-powered storage facility in Mhangura nears completion.
The Mhangura Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depot is set for completion by September this year.
Once operational, the facility will boast a storage capacity of over 58 000 tonnes, equipped with Artificial Intelligence systems for automated sorting, drying, and moisture control. It will provide farmers with a comprehensive one-stop post-harvest service.
“Construction is progressing well, and we are on track to complete by September. What makes this facility unique is the integration of Artificial Intelligence systems, from automated grain sorting and moisture detection to temperature control, it is designed to minimise losses and ensure quality preservation from the moment the grain is received,” site construction manager, Engineer Hurbert Mudhuviwa said.
The AI-powered grain storage drive is part of the government’s broader plan to build national resilience against climate change, ensuring that the country has adequate food stocks to withstand erratic rainfall patterns and other environmental shocks.
“Mhangura is just the beginning. We have come up with a comprehensive food production strategy, and it is in that capacity that we want to increase our silo storage capacity from the current 750 000 metric tonnes to 1.5 million tonnes. These will support growing food production levels and ensure that every grain harvested is safely stored and preserved,” the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, Honourable Anxious Masuka noted.
The rollout of smart storage facilities follows years of post-harvest losses, often caused by moisture mismanagement and transport challenges.
“This facility is a huge relief for farmers who have previously lost grain due to long travel distances and moisture problems. 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,” Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo added.
With technology at the centre of agricultural transformation, Zimbabwe is focusing on increased production.
