Wheat farmers urged to activate fire prevention measures as harvest draw near

Mutsawashe Mashandure
Herald Correspondent

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has urged farmers to implement robust fire suppression measures during the veld fire restrictions period and ahead of the upcoming harvest season to bolster food security.
EMA launched a prosecution awareness campaign on July 1 aimed at preventing veld fire. The campaign seeks to raise public consciousness about the consequences of veld fire. So far (EMA) has opened 70 dockets.

Reports of veld fire increased by 161,2 percent for land that was burnt and 53,3 percent for fire incidents
In a statement issued yesterday, the (EMA) pledged to provide the public with regular updates on the veld fire statistics.
The agency said, veld fire prevention is not the responsibility of a single entity, but rather everyone’s duty.

“Wheat farmers need to be extra vigilant too as we cannot lose the winter wheat that is drawing closer to harvesting,” EMA said.
“All sectors with a role to play in veld fire management in the country are encouraged to actively participate through impactful programmes towards veld fire management in the country.”