from MARCUS MUSHONGA in Harare, Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Bureau
HARARE, (CAJ News) – ZIMBABWE has commissioned seven artificial intelligence-driven silos in a move aimed at boosting food security in the drought-prone country.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has commissioned the national granaries- each with an 8 000-tonne capacity – in the town of Mutare in the eastern Manicaland province, bordering Mozambique.
Manicaland becomes the second province after Midlands to host the modern facilities, following the launch of such in the town of Kwekwe in August.
Speaking in Mutare, Mnangagwa said the AI-powered facilities aligned with the second Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy and boosted food security under Vision 2030.
Unveiled to coincide with the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (2026-2030), the silos enable remote monitoring and automated aeration.
“These modern silos are equipped with digital monitoring systems, automated grain handling technologies and advanced quality control laboratories,” Mnangagwa explained.
“Such contemporary systems enhance grain storage efficiency, reduce post-harvest losses and ensure national food safety through improved risk monitoring and globally acclaimed management standards.”
More AI-driven silos are planned around the Southern African country.
Smart silos are highly automated, with a central unit monitoring the entire process from a truck’s arrival at the weighbridge to offloading and departure.
Sensors monitor conditions like temperature, humidity, and moisture in real-time, allowing the AI to automatically adjust climate control to prevent spoilage and pest infestation.
The technology is anticipated to significantly reduce post-harvest grain losses and the need for constant on-site personnel.
Zimbabwe is eager to regain its status as the breadbasket of the region, a title it lost over the past two decades characterised by controversial land reforms and drought.
– CAJ News