Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
FARMERS have been urged to take extra precautions as Zimbabwe enters the peak of the veldfire restriction season, with winter wheat near maturity and harvesting underway.
Veld fires in Zimbabwe destroyed approximately 360 000 hectares of land, including wheat fields, during the 2023 season, with an estimated loss of US$800 000 in wheat value.
Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, emphasised the importance of protecting the crop.
“Wheat is a strategic crop for national food security. With fields drying and temperatures rising, farmers must be vigilant and ensure that their fields are safeguarded against veldfires.
“A single outbreak can destroy months of effort and investment,” he said.
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) reported that the 2025 veldfire restriction season runs from 1 July to 30 November.
Since its onset, two lives have tragically been lost, and property valued at over US$932 000, including agricultural equipment, tourism facilities and residential properties, has been destroyed.
“Cumulatively, 1 792 veldfire incidences have affected 582 922,60 hectares of land,” EMA spokesperson Ms Amkela Sidange said.
“While this is a reduction compared to 3 035 incidents and 675 128,90 hectares burnt in 2024, the average area affected per fire is significantly higher this year at 209,93 hectares, driven by windy conditions, dry vegetation, and inadequate fireguards.”
Most veldfires have occurred in Mashonaland West (43,33 percent), Mashonaland East (17,72 percent), and Mashonaland Central (14,82 percent), while urban areas are increasingly affected due to land clearing, waste burning, and construction activities.
Notably, a fire in Bulawayo in early August destroyed an upmarket residential property, while tens of vehicles were lost in a workshop in Mutare due to a veldfire linked to waste burning.
The EMA has taken enforcement action, issuing 38 tickets, opening 13 dockets, and serving 1 228 environmental protection orders to strengthen veldfire management.
However, the agency stressed that prevention requires collective responsibility.
“Wheat farmers should jealously guard their near-maturity crop, ensuring fireguards are in place and fire is never left unattended,” she said.
“We will continue monitoring veldfire behaviour, updating the nation regularly, and enforcing the law in partnership with the police and traditional leaders. Veldfire prevention is everyone’s responsibility.”
Authorities urge farmers to remain alert, avoid burning waste or clearing land with fire and report any incidents promptly.
With winter wheat representing a critical component of national food security, safeguarding fields during this high-risk period is crucial to avoid losses and secure a successful harvest.
