President Mnangagwa Commissions AI-Powered Smart Silos in Mutare

President Mnangagwa Commissions AI-Powered Grain Silos in Mutare

President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday commissioned state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI)-powered grain silos at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depot in Mutare.

The Mutare GMB depot now boasts seven smart silos, each with a carrying capacity of 8,000 tonnes — bringing the total storage to 56,000 tonnes.

The facility, equipped with advanced AI technology, enables real-time monitoring of efficiency and quality control, significantly reducing post-harvest losses.

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A Milestone in Grain Management and Food Security

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Mnangagwa said he was honoured to unveil the high-tech facility, which he described as “a milestone in commodity and grain storage in the country.”

“It means we will be keeping food for the nation here in Mutare. This is a milestone in commodity and grain storage in the country,” he said.

He added that the facility’s AI-driven systems would not only improve grain management but also ensure that harvests are properly preserved, strengthening Zimbabwe’s food security and resilience against drought.

Advanced Technology Meets Practical Purpose

The Mutare silos are fitted with modern infrastructure, including dust extractors and an inbuilt dryer capable of handling 100 tonnes of grain per hour, depending on moisture content.

The digital systems are designed to maintain grain quality and enhance efficiency at every stage of the storage process.

“These are not infrastructural developments for the sake of it. The silos have the capacity to store 56,000 tonnes of grain, which becomes vital during drought periods to avert hunger and starvation,” President Mnangagwa said.

Expanding the National Network of Smart Silos

The commissioning in Mutare follows a similar event held in May at the GMB depot in Kwekwe.

According to the President, the Mutare facility mirrors the one in Midlands and forms part of a broader Government initiative to construct modern silos at 14 sites across the country within two years.

Future sites for similar infrastructure include Masvingo, Rutenga, Marondera, Guruve, Mhangura, Raffingora, Bindura, Gokwe, and Plumtree, among others.

Drawing from a Biblical analogy of seven years of harvest and seven years of hunger, President Mnangagwa reminded the nation of the importance of preparedness:

“We are not expecting hunger, but as a nation, we must always be ready for such eventualities.”