Staff Reporter
The Grain Marketing Board’s (GMB) US$300 million national grain silo modernisation and expansion project is nearing completion, with the first site set to be launched in April.
GMB’s Chief Director of Agricultural Engineering, Mechanisation, and Farm Infrastructure Development, Edwin Zimunga, said the board has identified 14 sites to upgrade existing silos and build new ones to meet the 1.5 million metric tons (MT) grain target.
“The country’s current storage capacity stands at approximately 1.4 million MT, with ongoing upgrades at existing silos in regions, such as Lion’s Den, Norton, Chegutu, and Concession,” Zimunga said.
He provided an update on the progress on the construction of silos on new sites across the country
“Kwekwe is at 82%, Mhangura at 45%, Mvurwi at 27%, Mutare at 52%, Rutenga at 19%, Timbermills at 17%, and Lupane at 10%. Seven more new sites—Plumtree, Masvingo, Marondera, Gokwe, Guruve, Rafingora, and Bindura will commence work soon after the rains,” he said.
“The project will cost US$300 million for 14 sites. The project is expected to be completed by 2026, with the first site coming online in April, which is Kwekwe. Following this, a new site will be operational every month,” Zimunga added.
Zimunga explained that the national grain reserve, now set at 1.5 million metric tons, would serve as buffer storage to sustain Zimbabwe for up to three years.
“This strategic move aims to safeguard the country’s food supply against potential shortages,” he said.
Zimunga also discussed the expected impact of the new automated silos on post-harvest grain loss.
“We are aiming for 30% grain savings through the new automated silos. The impact of silos on post-harvest maize grain losses varies by region, storage conditions, and the type of silo used. However, quantified studies show that improved storage using these metal silo methods can reduce post-harvest losses to 1% to 5% (up to 90% reduction in losses), and losses can be reduced to 0.1% to 2% (almost negligible with proper use),” he added.
With these advancements in silo technology, the GMB project is expected to reduce storage-related losses, improve food security, and boost farmer incomes across the country.
