The nightmare of farmers and by extension, the agriculture sector is the outbreak of bush fires. The industry continues to lose tones of farm produce and millions of cedis to the canker of bush fires.
In a durbar held at Ave-Kpeduhoe, in the Akatsi North District to mark the 34th National Farmer’s Day on Friday, the District Commander of the Ghana Fire Service, Assistant Divisional Officer Grade I (A.D.O.I), Francis Akutsa has admonished farmers to be conscientious of such practices that can put their farms at the mercy of the season.
He warned that persons, who engage in reckless activities that lead to fire outbreak be mindful and be more responsible for their actions, adding that, they could be fined or prosecuted if they are caught.
“We know farmers play a vital role in our lives, but one thing that remains a challenge is bush fire, especially during the harmattan season. So, therefore, I want to take this opportunity to entreat such persons like palm wine tappers, charcoal burners and even you the farmers to be careful about how you handle fire, so that we don’t lose our crops and other properties to bush fires”. he said
“If you have a palm plantation, I advise you construct a farm belt around the plantation to prevent it from catching fire”. he added.
The commander assured that he and his outfit will intensify education on such activities to reduce the tendencies of fire outbreaks in the district.
He equally asked assembly members, to organise farmers in their electoral areas, so that the outfit will engage them on the causes and control measures of bush fire in the coming days.
“And the assembly members, please I can’t do enough here today. I implore you to gather farmers and even children in your electoral areas so that we will come around and do more of the education with them”.