Savious Madanhire
Zimbabwe is set to revolutionize its agricultural sector with the launch of its first AI-powered grain silo, this month in Kwekwe.
This state-of-the-art facility will harness the power of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) to transform grain storage and management, as the 2024-25 summer cropping season wraps up.
The silo is part of a larger US$500 million government project aimed at modernizing grain storage across the country and the new facility is one of the 21 Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots to be constructed nationwide.
The Kwekwe depot launch is significant, coinciding with a projected harvest of over 3,5 million tonnes of cereals during the 2024-25 summer season.
However, achieving a reserve of 1,5 million tonnes would provide a safety net for up to three years, ensuring the food supply can be maintained even in challenging times.
According to Engineer Edwin Zimunga, the Chief Director of Agricultural Engineering in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, the technology is designed to detect grain spoilage and ensure that the quality of stored grain is maintained throughout its storage life.
The Kwekwe depot, which is near 90 percent completion, will serve as a model for subsequent installations, with facilities in Mutare, Mvurwi, and Mhangura set to follow,” he said.
Eng Zimunga also noted the aim for a total of 14 depots equipped with these modern technologies.
Additionally, by leveraging advanced technologies, the AI-powered silo will optimize grain storage and management, ensuring that grain is stored in optimal conditions and reducing the risk of spoilage.
The silo will utilize real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automated quality control to detect early signs of grain spoilage and prevent losses.
The launch of the AI-powered silo is a significant step towards enhancing food security in Zimbabwe. With the capacity to store from 650,000 tonnes to approximately 1.4 million tonnes of grain, the silo will play a critical role in ensuring the country’s food needs are met.
This innovative project is set to have a lasting impact on Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, positioning the country at the forefront of technological innovation in Africa.
As the country continues to invest in modernizing its infrastructure, the future of grain storage and food security in Zimbabwe looks brighter than ever.
With the AI-powered silo, Zimbabwe is poised to take a significant leap forward in ensuring food security and driving economic growth.
