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Zimbabwe's GMB rolls out AI-powered silos
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The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has begun a nationwide rollout of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered smart silos, with 14 state-of-the-art facilities set to transform Zimbabwe's grain handling and storage system.
GMB corporate communications manager, Nixon Kanyemba, said the project is being implemented across multiple provinces, including Manicaland, Midlands, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, and Masvingo.
"In line with the President's vision of leaving no one and no place behind, these AI-driven smart silos are being constructed in virtually all provinces. On May 6, His Excellency the President Dr. ED Mnangagwa commissioned the Kwekwe silo. We are happy to announce that it is now fully operational, receiving grain from farmers across the country," said Kanyemba.
He revealed that construction of the smart silos in Mutare, Manicaland, and Mhangura, Mashonaland West, is nearing completion, while work is progressing steadily at other designated sites.
Kanyemba described the facilities as a "game-changer," highlighting that the AI-powered systems can perform complex tasks previously difficult to manage. "For instance, if farmers deliver grain with high moisture content above 12.5 percent, we no longer turn them away. The smart silos can now dry the grain to the required standard, ensuring better quality control," he explained.
Equipped with advanced volumetric sensors, the silos provide real-time measurement of storage levels, significantly reducing the need for manual checks. Through digital integration, the system links directly to operators' mobile devices and computers, enabling instant oversight.
"This means that someone sitting at Head Office in Harare can monitor what is happening in Kwekwe in real time and guide supply chain managers accordingly. Previously, we would wait for written reports, but with our digital platforms, oversight is instant and accurate," Kanyemba said.
He added that the smart silos would guarantee both the quality and safety of grain delivered to millers and consumers, aligning with the government's thrust to modernise agriculture and strengthen national food security.
GMB corporate communications manager, Nixon Kanyemba, said the project is being implemented across multiple provinces, including Manicaland, Midlands, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, and Masvingo.
"In line with the President's vision of leaving no one and no place behind, these AI-driven smart silos are being constructed in virtually all provinces. On May 6, His Excellency the President Dr. ED Mnangagwa commissioned the Kwekwe silo. We are happy to announce that it is now fully operational, receiving grain from farmers across the country," said Kanyemba.
He revealed that construction of the smart silos in Mutare, Manicaland, and Mhangura, Mashonaland West, is nearing completion, while work is progressing steadily at other designated sites.
Kanyemba described the facilities as a "game-changer," highlighting that the AI-powered systems can perform complex tasks previously difficult to manage. "For instance, if farmers deliver grain with high moisture content above 12.5 percent, we no longer turn them away. The smart silos can now dry the grain to the required standard, ensuring better quality control," he explained.
Equipped with advanced volumetric sensors, the silos provide real-time measurement of storage levels, significantly reducing the need for manual checks. Through digital integration, the system links directly to operators' mobile devices and computers, enabling instant oversight.
"This means that someone sitting at Head Office in Harare can monitor what is happening in Kwekwe in real time and guide supply chain managers accordingly. Previously, we would wait for written reports, but with our digital platforms, oversight is instant and accurate," Kanyemba said.
He added that the smart silos would guarantee both the quality and safety of grain delivered to millers and consumers, aligning with the government's thrust to modernise agriculture and strengthen national food security.
Source - NewZiana
