By Loyd Matare
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially commissioned the state-of-the-art Grain Marketing Board silo complex in Mutare.
He described the facility as a landmark in Zimbabwe’s quest to ensure stable, safe, and nutritious food supplies.
“It is my singular honour and privilege to officiate at this ceremony, commissioning the state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence-powered Grain Marketing Board Silo Complex, here in Mutare.
“This strategic trade and agricultural hub is yet another milestone towards broadening effective grain and commodity storage solutions,” Mnangagwa said.
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The Mutare facility, with a total capacity of 56,000 metric tonnes, is part of a nationwide initiative to expand grain storage capacity by 750,000 metric tonnes.
Equipped with automated grain handling systems, digital monitoring technologies, advanced quality control laboratories, and built-in dryers, the silos are designed to reduce post-harvest losses, improve food safety, and allow for longer-term storage.
“This facility demonstrates that the Second Republic remains seized with guaranteeing stable, secure, safe, and nutritious food supplies in our country.
“These silos are part of 14 Artificial Intelligence-driven storage sites being constructed nationwide, with other facilities underway in Masvingo, Rutenga, Marondera, Mhangura, Rafingora, Guruve, Mvurwi, Bindura, Gokwe, Lupane, and Plumtree.
The President also highlighted the government’s broader strategy to climate-proof national food and nutrition security.
“Increased grain storage capacity is also part of our efforts to climate-proof our national food and nutrition security.
“Our national agriculture capabilities, logistical and storage capacity are having a positive impact on the overall economic development of our country, despite the challenges of illegal sanctions and climate-induced droughts,” he said.
The silo complex is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a regional food production, storage, and logistics hub.
The World Food Programme has expressed readiness to collaborate with Zimbabwe to meet regional food procurement and logistics needs in line with international standards.
