Agro-industrial entity, Ariston Private Limited in Zimbabwe, has introduced artificial intelligence in its macadamia nut processing to enhance operational efficiency and postharvest quality. This implementation comes amidst an increasing global interest in macadamia nuts, as highlighted by a recent shift driven by post-COVID-19 market dynamics.
The nation, aiming to strengthen its avocado and macadamia trade with China, is leveraging the rising demand in Asian markets. During a media visit to Ariston's estates in Chipinge, Manicaland Province, Gibbs Manyukwa, Head of Engineering, described the technological integration: "Here we are employing artificial intelligence in our macadamia sorting. We use a scanner, which is a new technology that we have brought into this country, where we use Valafive, the most recent technology that has been introduced in China."
Manyukwa detailed, "We have got a machine here that grades our nuts by taking a photo of every nut that we produce. We take it through the machine and we are counting all the nuts individually, and we are doing like five turns every hour, where we detect every defect that is in the nut, record it, and grade them accordingly."
Meanwhile, Gary Thirkettle, Ariston's Head of Agriculture, noted expansion plans in their banana operations to satisfy local market demands. He stated, "Basically, with our current banana plantation, we are busy with a rejuvenation process. Currently, we have 48 hectares and we are quite focused on the local market." Thirkettle mentioned a strategy for staggered planting to avoid simultaneous ripening and ensure a steady supply throughout the year.
Source: Daily News
