Staff Reporter
The government is in the final stages of completing a large-scale grain storage facility at the Kwekwe Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Depot, a project set to boost Zimbabwe’s food security by expanding storage capacity to 56,000 metric tonnes.
The facility, which is now 85 percent complete, consists of seven silos, each capable of holding 8,000 metric tonnes of grain. Once operational, it will accommodate maize, wheat, sorghum, soyabeans and other produce reducing the burden on farmers who previously had to transport their produce long distances due to limited storage facilities.
Provincial Mechanisation Engineer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Andrew Mupariwa, confirmed that construction is progressing well, with four silos already completed, two at the halfway mark, and the seventh recently commenced. Completion is expected by April or May.
“The project is at 85% completion. By mid-year, all silos will be complete, allowing us to store large volumes of grain within the province. This will cut costs for farmers and enhance food security,” said Mupariwa.
The establishment of the silos is expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, a long-standing challenge for farmers. Previously, grain stored in bags at depots was often left exposed to harsh weather conditions, leading to damage and wastage.
Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, emphasized that the construction of modern silos aligns with the government’s broader agricultural strategy.
“One of the biggest challenges we have faced is post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage facilities. Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, the decentralization of silos across districts is addressing this issue,” he said.
He added that the Kwekwe silos, once complete, will be a game-changer in ensuring food security and sustainability.
“Food security has been achieved, and now we are focusing on nutrition security. This infrastructure will ensure that in the event of drought, we have reserves to feed the nation,” Muswere said.
Beyond Kwekwe, the government has initiated similar projects in other regions, including Gokwe, as part of efforts to modernize and expand Zimbabwe’s grain storage network.
