With the fire season now underway, the government is urging farmers across Zimbabwe to ramp up hay baling activities to not only secure livestock feed but also reduce the risk of destructive veld fires.
Following good rains, grasslands are thriving, prompting agricultural authorities to advise farmers to harvest and store the grass as hay. This approach serves a dual purpose: it provides critical supplementary feed for livestock and helps establish firebreaks to stop the spread of wildfires.
Mazowe District Agritex officer, Mr. Musekiwa Murisa, stressed the importance of taking action. “Each year, veld fires destroy vegetation and sometimes claim lives. Yet the same grass fueling these fires can be turned into a vital resource for our livestock. Let’s take advantage of it.”
Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, supported the initiative, citing a local farmer in Mazowe already baling hay. “This is a model we can all follow turning a fire hazard into feed reserves that boost livestock productivity,” he said.
In 2024, Zimbabwe experienced over 4,500 veld fire incidents, resulting in the destruction of close to one million hectares of land. Officials are determined to avoid a repeat by promoting practical, preventative solutions like hay baling.
