Dry season farming: Farmers cautioned on bush burning

The Department of Fire Service of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has cautioned farmers over incessant bush burning during this dry season, adding that it could lead to an abrupt fire disaster.

Director of the Fire Service in the FCT, Mr. Julius Opetunsin, gave the warning when he led a team of top firefighters to the Palace of the Ona of Abaji.

Opetunsin, called on farmers, through the traditional rulers to desist from bush burning and embrace climate-friendly practices.

According to him, the visit was a measure adopted by the department to reach out to the farming populations to prevent devastating fire disasters and save lives and properties.

In his remarks, “The department is calling on all the farming community, our Royal Fathers and their subject to desist from indiscriminate bush burning. We, therefore, advise that in case you want to adopt bush burning approach as an alternative, let it be controlled burning so as to protect your property and that of your neighbour.”

Opetunsin, also noted that although the flag off of the campaign started at Abaji Area Council, the department would spread the message to other farmers in other rural communities within all the remaining Area Councils.

“The choice of Abaji for this year’s flag off is to bring the campaign to the grassroots where most farming activities take place with its attendance consequences. This is because destruction from fire outbreaks in farms and other property are always colossal, and therefore all hands must be on deck to curtail its occurrence.”

He further assured that officials from the department would go to the various domains in the Area Council to sensitise farmers in the local communities.