News / National
Zimbabwe goes hi-tech
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In a major boost to Zimbabwe's agricultural sector, President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially commissioned a state-of-the-art 56,000-tonne smart-grain storage silo complex in Kwekwe, a move set to save millions of dollars in handling-related losses and position the country closer to achieving its Vision 2030 goals.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony at the Kwekwe Grain Marketing Board (GMB), President Mnangagwa outlined the strategic significance of the facility in advancing the country's agricultural modernization, adding that it marks a pivotal milestone towards transforming the grain storage infrastructure.
"This silo complex is part of the Government's broader vision of modernising agricultural facilities across the country," said President Mnangagwa. "We are moving towards cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, to revolutionise grain storage."
He also revealed that 14 additional state-of-the-art silo depots will be constructed across the country's rural provinces, alongside the modernisation of existing silo complexes to ensure ample storage capacity for the growing volumes of grain.
In the past, Zimbabwe's agricultural infrastructure was outdated, leading to significant losses due to pest damage, moisture, and improper handling, sometimes totalling over US$30 million. The newly commissioned silo facility, with self-cleaning and temperature-regulating features, can store grain for up to seven years, compared to the previous maximum of three years. It also has a loading and offloading capacity of 100 tonnes per hour, drastically reducing turnaround time for grain deliveries.
"This is a testament to the ongoing transformation of our agriculture sector," President Mnangagwa said. "By embracing such advanced technologies, Zimbabwe is on course to becoming a food-secure, empowered, and prosperous upper-middle-income economy by 2030."
The President also urged farmers to step up their efforts in cereal production, noting that the country's expanding grain storage capacity is key to enhancing productivity across all crops. He announced that silos are being constructed in drought-prone areas like Beitbridge, Gwanda, Lupane, and Gokwe, making it easier to support communities during dry seasons.
He further challenged farmers to fully utilise the grain storage facilities being established across the country to boost local production and contribute to national food security. "I challenge our farmers to produce more and enhance productivity. As the storage capacity increases, we must also increase our production," President Mnangagwa stated.
Addressing the issue of food security, the President reaffirmed the Government's commitment to ensuring that no Zimbabwean goes hungry, even in challenging seasons like the recent drought. Through initiatives such as the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme, the Government has been able to assist vulnerable communities, providing over 328,000 tonnes of food to those in need.
"Through these measures, we have been able to cushion our people from the harsh effects of drought, supporting close to 4 million schoolchildren through the Schools Feeding Programme," he said.
The President also highlighted the challenges posed by climate change, noting the adverse effects on crop yields and the potential risks of droughts, floods, and new pests. In response, the Government is working to increase the strategic grain reserve from 750,000 tonnes to 1.5 million tonnes, enabling the country to store sufficient grain to cover three years of need, even during periods of low agricultural output.
"Climate change continues to be a significant threat to agriculture. We are, however, committed to putting in place the necessary mitigation measures to ensure food security and the stability of our agriculture sector," President Mnangagwa said.
The expansion of grain storage capacity is part of the Government's broader effort to strengthen national food systems, improve resilience, and enhance overall agricultural productivity. The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, alongside other stakeholders, has been actively involved in this transformation.
Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Masuka, confirmed that the Ministry is on track to meet the target of 1.5 million tonnes of storage capacity by 2030, as outlined by President Mnangagwa. Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs, Owen Ncube, also expressed confidence that the silo complex would significantly contribute to the province's economic growth and agricultural development.
With the expansion of modern grain storage infrastructure and an emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices, Zimbabwe is poised to strengthen its agricultural industry and move closer to achieving its Vision 2030 goal of becoming a middle-income economy. The commissioning of the Kwekwe silos marks just one of many steps in the country's journey towards food security and economic prosperity.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony at the Kwekwe Grain Marketing Board (GMB), President Mnangagwa outlined the strategic significance of the facility in advancing the country's agricultural modernization, adding that it marks a pivotal milestone towards transforming the grain storage infrastructure.
"This silo complex is part of the Government's broader vision of modernising agricultural facilities across the country," said President Mnangagwa. "We are moving towards cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, to revolutionise grain storage."
He also revealed that 14 additional state-of-the-art silo depots will be constructed across the country's rural provinces, alongside the modernisation of existing silo complexes to ensure ample storage capacity for the growing volumes of grain.
In the past, Zimbabwe's agricultural infrastructure was outdated, leading to significant losses due to pest damage, moisture, and improper handling, sometimes totalling over US$30 million. The newly commissioned silo facility, with self-cleaning and temperature-regulating features, can store grain for up to seven years, compared to the previous maximum of three years. It also has a loading and offloading capacity of 100 tonnes per hour, drastically reducing turnaround time for grain deliveries.
"This is a testament to the ongoing transformation of our agriculture sector," President Mnangagwa said. "By embracing such advanced technologies, Zimbabwe is on course to becoming a food-secure, empowered, and prosperous upper-middle-income economy by 2030."
The President also urged farmers to step up their efforts in cereal production, noting that the country's expanding grain storage capacity is key to enhancing productivity across all crops. He announced that silos are being constructed in drought-prone areas like Beitbridge, Gwanda, Lupane, and Gokwe, making it easier to support communities during dry seasons.
Addressing the issue of food security, the President reaffirmed the Government's commitment to ensuring that no Zimbabwean goes hungry, even in challenging seasons like the recent drought. Through initiatives such as the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme, the Government has been able to assist vulnerable communities, providing over 328,000 tonnes of food to those in need.
"Through these measures, we have been able to cushion our people from the harsh effects of drought, supporting close to 4 million schoolchildren through the Schools Feeding Programme," he said.
The President also highlighted the challenges posed by climate change, noting the adverse effects on crop yields and the potential risks of droughts, floods, and new pests. In response, the Government is working to increase the strategic grain reserve from 750,000 tonnes to 1.5 million tonnes, enabling the country to store sufficient grain to cover three years of need, even during periods of low agricultural output.
"Climate change continues to be a significant threat to agriculture. We are, however, committed to putting in place the necessary mitigation measures to ensure food security and the stability of our agriculture sector," President Mnangagwa said.
The expansion of grain storage capacity is part of the Government's broader effort to strengthen national food systems, improve resilience, and enhance overall agricultural productivity. The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, alongside other stakeholders, has been actively involved in this transformation.
Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Masuka, confirmed that the Ministry is on track to meet the target of 1.5 million tonnes of storage capacity by 2030, as outlined by President Mnangagwa. Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs, Owen Ncube, also expressed confidence that the silo complex would significantly contribute to the province's economic growth and agricultural development.
With the expansion of modern grain storage infrastructure and an emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices, Zimbabwe is poised to strengthen its agricultural industry and move closer to achieving its Vision 2030 goal of becoming a middle-income economy. The commissioning of the Kwekwe silos marks just one of many steps in the country's journey towards food security and economic prosperity.
Source - the herald
