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Elton Manguwo
WITH the fire season approaching its peak period, it is prudent for farmers to avoid clearing land through burning, a method that has proven to be destructive to the natural ecological systems.
The call stems from the growing threat that veld fires pose during this time of year.
In an interview recently, the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) chairman Mr Ivan Craig said the destruction of vegetation could lead to soil erosion, disruption of the delicate balance of ecosystems and reduction of the land’s productivity levels.
“Clearing land by burning bushes and vegetation is a practice that should be strongly discouraged. While it may seem like a convenient or expedient method, the risks and long-term consequences of this approach far outweigh any potential benefits,” said Mr Craig.
Uncontrolled burning of bushes and other vegetation can easily lead to the spread of wildfires, which can quickly become devastating, as veld fires can consume not only the intended areas for clearing but also spread to surrounding farmlands, pastures and even human settlements.
“The destruction caused by such uncontrolled fires can be catastrophic, leading to the loss of valuable crops, livestock and even human lives,” said Mr Craig.
By avoiding burning of bushes and adopting more sustainable land clearing methods, farmers can protect the environment, safeguard communities and ensure the long-term viability and productivity of land resources.
“Instead of burning, there are more sustainable and environmentally-friendly methods of land clearing such as such as use of heavy machinery or manual labour that can be explored, as these can be a more controlled and targeted approach,” said Mr Craig.
More so, the installation of fire towers on farms is a strategic investment that can enhance the early detection and monitoring of veld fires and improve emergency response coordination and ultimately contribute to the protection of agricultural resources.
“Timely detection and response to veld fires can significantly reduce the extent of damage to crops, livestock, infrastructure and other valuable assets on the farm and lower financial losses for farmers and agricultural businesses,” said Mr Craig.
The Government has been working closely with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and provincial administrative structures to ensure that veld fires are effectively monitored, managed and kept under control.
Recently, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri acknowledged that the potential impact of veld fires could be devastating saying they had potential to destroy the valuable wheat crop, which is a crucial agricultural resource.
“Beyond the direct impact on food production, these fires also threaten the livelihoods of livestock farmers by damaging pastures and grazing lands,” said Professor Jiri.
The collaborative effort between the Government and EMA is crucial in ensuring that veld fires remain under control.
“We are forming comprehensive strategies and coordinated actions involving early warning systems and promoting public awareness campaigns to educate the population on fire prevention and response measures,” said Professor Jiri.
Online Reporter