The President, Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has stated that for the first time in Zimbabwe, silos are being established in drier geographical regions to enable grain storage within the proximity of communities that may require grain support during drought seasons.
The President, Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, made these remarks at the commissioning of the Kwekwe Grain Marketing Board silos in Kwekwe today.
He also stated that the Second Republic has a mandate to decentralize key infrastructure and services to empower local communities and stimulate economic growth.
“The strategic location of the additional Silo Depots across the country, dovetails with the devolution and decentralisation agenda of my government. It is expected that during the food agriculture seasons, production out-put in high-potential provinces will be catered-for, through the additional storage capacity in those provinces.
“Under this programme, silos are being constructed in Beitbridge, Gwanda, Lupane and Gokwe among other drought prone regions of the country,” said President Mnangagwa.
The President highlighted that the construction of these silos is aimed at matching the government’s significant increase in grain reserve tonnage.
“It is upon this broader background that, my Government made the deliberate decision to increase the Strategic Grain Reserve from the current 750 000 to 1.5 million Tonnes.
“To guarantee the requisite storage, we further resolved to establish 14 additional Silo Depots across all rural provinces, including these Kwekwe Grain Silos we are commissioning today. These sites will enhance the national storage capacity from the current 750 000 Tonnes to close to 1.5 million Tonnes.
“Upon completion of the silos, the nation is predicted to be able to store enough grain in the Strategic Grain Reserve, for a period of three years at any given time,” he said.
The President expressed appreciation for the new technology employed in the construction of the silos, noting its potential to enhance efficiency and productivity.
“It is commendable that this facility equally marks the beginning of a nationwide modernization and the integration of cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence and other new technologies to revolutionize the country’s grain storage infrastructure.
“Features such as modernized in-built dryers, real time monitoring of temperature, humidity, moisture level and carbon dioxide, along with improved ventilation in the silos will improve grain quality and ensure longer-term storage of grain.
“Other aspects such as the automated environmental adjustments, coupled with AI-enabled climate control system, will help enhance grain integrity while also enhancing efficiency. Similarly, impressive are the digital traceable record systems and integrated anti-theft measures, all of which ensure transparency, accountability and protection of both the grain and the facility,” said the President.
He also noted that he is aware that in the past, due to outdated infrastructure, losses totaling over US$30 million were recorded, largely attributed to pest damage, moisture issues, and handling inadequacies.
The President congratulated the Grain Marketing Board for a job well done and for successfully deploying this state-of-the-art technology and powered facility.
He also urged other Government Agencies and Departments to urgently prioritize the adoption of appropriate technologies to improve systems, efficiencies, convenience and profitability of public enterprises.
Furthermore, he challenged farmers to re-double their efforts towards enhancing production and productivity across all cereals and crops.
His Excellency called upon the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, along with other stakeholders to play their part in ensuring that complementary policies and strategies are in place to consistently spur agricultural production and productivity.
The grain silos in Kwekwe, Midlands Province, are the first-ever Artificial Intelligence powered Grain Silos in the country.
The 56 000 tonne smart-grain storage facility has seven state-of-the-art silos.
Story by Jeremiah Gora
