While devastating fires in North West, the Northern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal have been brought under control, the impact of veld fires will be felt long after the fire has been extinguished.
Over the past few weeks, farmers in these provinces have had to battle deadly veld fires. According to Agri SA, the fires have affected an area of over 400 000 hectares, leaving most livestock farmers without grazing land or dead animals.
Agri SA CEO Christo van der Rheede said, “The damage to soil health, the disruption of ecosystems, and the alteration of natural fire patterns can have long-lasting consequences.
“The recovery process is largely dependent on rainfall. Adequate rainfall is crucial for regenerating vegetation, restoring soil fertility, and replenishing water sources. With sufficient rain, the recovery process can be significantly expedited.”
Fires couldn’t have come at a worse time
According to Van der Rheede, the devastating fires have hit the agricultural sector at a time when farmers already face immense challenges, including load shedding, deteriorating infrastructure, rising labour and input costs, and threats to their rural safety.
“As a result of all these challenges, farmers are currently liable for an estimated R205 billion in debt – a high burden that renders those affected by the fires unable to absorb this latest tragedy. For our nation’s food security, this should concern us all.”
In a previous article, livestock farmer Martin Wipplinger in Brandfort, Free State told Food For Mzansi that he lost 500 hectares of grazing land, 300 sheep and 20 pregnant heifers to the veld fires.
ALSO READ: ICYMI: Farmers told to be firefighters as veld fires rage on
Emergency response efforts are needed
In response to the wide destruction, emergency response efforts are needed to assist farmers, Van der Rheede said.
Agri SA’s Disaster Relief Foundation is scheduled to donate funds to Free State Agriculture and Agri North West to assist in relief efforts.
They are also calling upon the public to help in the effort to galvanise resources for the devastated communities.
“Agri SA will continue to make every effort to assist these farmers to recover. At the same time, we appeal to the public to help us provide relief to these communities that guarantee our food security,” Van der Rheede said.
Click here, to find out how you can make a contribution.
ALSO READ: ICYMI: Devastating veld fires leave NW farmers depleted
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