Government Calls on Farmers to Boost Hay Baling Efforts

The onset of the fire season has prompted government authorities to urge farmers to increase hay baling efforts. This initiative aims to boost livestock feed reserves while also minimising the threat of veld fires by clearing excess dry grass.

The government has called on farmers, traditional leaders, and communities in rural areas to remain vigilant and take action to reduce the risk of fire outbreaks, which often occur during this dry period.

Several farmers have already started cutting and baling grass, and officials are encouraging others to do the same, making use of the abundant vegetation to create valuable stockfeed.

Mazowe District Agritex officer Mr. Musekiwa Murisa emphasised the dual benefits of this approach: “Every fire season, we risk losing wildlife, vegetation, and even human lives. But this year, we have plenty of grass—instead of burning it, let’s cut it and convert it into feed for our animals.”

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, echoed the message during a visit to a farm in Mazowe. “We’ve seen the damage caused by veld fires in the past. What’s happening here is a good example—turning grass into hay bales to support livestock. Let’s focus on that instead of letting grass go to waste through fires.”

Last year alone, more than 4,500 veld fires were reported across the country, destroying close to one million hectares of land.