By Margaret Kamba 

Zimbabwe continues to adopt Artificial Intelligence in its development agenda with the recent launch of the AI powered silos at the Kwekwe Grain Marketing Board.

This recent adoption of science and technology in the agricultural sector coupled with the Pfumvudza farming concept, the encouragement by His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa to have the citizenry build their country is undoubtedly bound to churn Zimbabwe into the bread basket of Southern Africa if not beyond.

The 56 000 tonne Kwekwe silos also speaks volumes of the capacity and determination by Zimbabwe's farmers to feed the nation.

Speaking during the launch of the silos, President Mnangagwa said this will help improve the storage capacity.

"It is upon this broader background of climate change challenges that my Government made a decision to improve the storage of grains in the country . We established the adoption of 14 grain sites across rural areas," President Mnangagwa said.

"These silos will enhance the storage capacity to 1.5 million metric tonnes.Upon completion of silos the nation will store grains in these silos no matter the weather in the country.This shows the integration of technology and AI to boost the storage of grains in Zimbabwe."

"I'm aware that in the past, outdated infrastructure led to losses due to pest damage , this situation was untenable.I congratulate this GMB for this state of art facility. Other Government agencies and departments are directed to improve systems, efficiency, and profitability of public enterprises. The realisation of Vision 2030 depends on the adoption of technology in all sectors. The adoption of silos dovetails with devolution as a policy of my Government."

Also speaking during the event, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka said all these achievements are testament to the sound leadership.

"We also have a record blueberry production so far in Zimbabwe.Last year, we had 562 000 metric tonnes in wheat production. Zimbabwe and Ethiopia are the two highest countries that have the highest wheat production in Africa .Last year, we had the highest goat production of 5.2 million .This year, we will achieve 596 000 hectares of irrigable land.We will have a surplus production of 1.2 million tonnes of cereal this year."