Theseus Shambare
INCREASED output in agriculture over the past five years is pushing the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to expand its storage capacity from the current 750 000 tonnes to about one million tonnes.
Expansion work is already underway at GMB depots in Kwekwe, Lupane, Rutenga, Masvingo, Mvurwi, Mhangura, Timber Mills and Mutare.
Chief director for engineering, mechanisation, post-harvest agro-processing and soil conservation in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Engineer Edwin Zimunga said: “This is a monumental undertaking that will significantly bolster our ability to store and preserve grain. We are constructing modern grain infrastructure at seven strategic locations across the country, ensuring that no region is left behind.”
The new silos, he said, will play a critical role in minimising post-harvest losses.
“The expansion of our silo capacity is a direct response to the increased production of cereals nationwide,” said Eng Zimunga.
“As we continue to enhance our agricultural practices and exports, it is imperative to have adequate storage facilities in place to maintain the quality and quantity of our grain.”
Zimbabwe achieved a record wheat harvest of over 450 000 tonnes in 2023, with this year’s output projected to rise to 624 000 tonnes.
The 2024/2025 summer cropping season is projected to yield 4,1 million tonnes of grain, including 2,7 million tonnes of maize.
The Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR) has the capacity to store 500 000 tonnes, but the Government plans to progressively increase this capacity to 1,5 million tonnes.
Zimbabwe’s 12 silo sites can collectively hold 751 000 tonnes.
In previous seasons, GMB has resorted to temporary solutions such as storing bagged maize and other grains under canvas.
“We give assurance to farmers that this project is going to be finished by January 2026,” added Eng Zimunga.
Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe chairperson Dr Tafadzwa Musarara applauded the Government for the initiative.
“An upward review of the SGR necessitates expansion of the country’s silos. We require such infrastructure to minimise dependence on imports,” said Dr Musarara.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Dr Shadreck Makombe said: “The upgrades were long overdue. In this era, automation in agriculture is the only way to go. This speeds up processes. The time for manual work is now behind us.”
