Artificial Intelligence-Powered Silos Near Completion at Mutare Grain Marketing Board Depot

Strategic Insights -

Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Minister, Dr. Anxious Masuka, toured the facilities last week and expressed optimism that the AI-powered silos will be fully operational by mid-July. This season, Manicaland planted 277,663 hectares of maize and harvested a whopping 394,326 metric tonnes of maize, at an average yield of 1.42 metric tonnes per hectare, representing a 250 percent increase in production compared to the 2023/24 season.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Mutare Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Depot's AI-powered silos are nearing completion, with 80 percent of the project already completed.
  • The silos boast a substantial storage capacity of 56,000 metric tonnes, with each of the seven bins having a capacity of 8,000 metric tonnes.
  • The project is expected to be completed by July 20, in time for the wheat intake.
  • The silos feature advanced technology, including dust extractors, automated systems, internal probes for remote monitoring, and sensitive automated cooling systems.
  • The project has significant implications for food security in Manicaland, with the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, expressing delight at the development.
  • The silos will also help to increase storage capacity from the existing 52,000 metric tonnes, which was previously accommodated in open spaces.
  • The project is part of a broader strategy to enhance food security through improved agricultural productivity and post-harvest handling infrastructure.

Statistics:

  • 80 percent of the AI-powered silos project has been completed.
  • 56,000 metric tonnes is the total storage capacity of the silos.
  • 394,326 metric tonnes of maize was harvested in Manicaland last season, at an average yield of 1.42 metric tonnes per hectare.
  • 471,000 metric tonnes is the total grain harvested in Manicaland, comprising 394,000 metric tonnes of maize and 77,000 metric tonnes of traditional grains.
  • 250 percent increase in maize production in Manicaland compared to the 2023/24 season.
  • 277,663 hectares of maize was planted in Manicaland last season.

Sources:

  • Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Ministry
  • Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza
  • Mutare Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Depot