Staff Reporter

The Government has announced plans to establish new Grain Marketing Board (GMB) silos in Mutare as part of efforts to address Zimbabwe’s grain storage challenges.

The Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services confirmed that the construction of seven new silos in the region will begin shortly, with the foundation works expected to be completed by next month. Structural works will follow, and the full commissioning of the silos is expected by October 2025.
"Foundation works for 7 new GMB silos in Mutare will be completed next month, followed by structural works. Full commissioning is targeted for October. Rehabilitation and expansion of silos are ongoing across the country to increase grain storage capacity and reduce post-harvest losses," the Ministry of Information stated on X.

The new silos are expected to significantly enhance the storage capacity for key grain crops, especially maize, which is a staple food in Zimbabwe. This development is seen as a major boost to the region’s agricultural infrastructure.
Local farmers in Mutare have expressed optimism about the new project, noting that it will help improve food security and reduce waste.

"This is a great development for us in Mutare. For many years, grain storage has been a problem, and crops would often go to waste due to a lack of proper storage facilities. With these new silos, we are hopeful that there will be less wastage, and we will be able to store our grain more efficiently," said Patience Magora.

"The expansion of GMB silos is expected to have a positive impact on the entire agricultural value chain, improving not just maize storage but also that of other key crops like wheat, soybeans, and sorghum. This will help ensure that Zimbabwe can better manage its food resources, reduce dependency on imports, and promote local production," she added.

The Government has highlighted that the Mutare silos and similar projects across the country are part of its broader strategy to modernize the agricultural sector and support economic growth. The aim is to create a more resilient agricultural economy that can meet domestic needs and enhance Zimbabwe’s position as a regional player in grain exports.

As the construction of the Mutare silos progresses, citizens are hopeful that this development will play a crucial role in addressing food security issues, improving agricultural efficiency, and fostering long-term economic stability in the region.