Yei Farmers Urged to Protect Crops from Fires

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – The Director for Agriculture, Forestry and Environment in Yei River County, Isaac Asiki Joseph, has urged farmers to take proactive measures to protect their crops and households from fire outbreaks during the peak of the dry season.

Last year, several rural communities in the county lost entire harvests and household property due to widespread wildfires.

Asiki Joseph emphasised that early harvesting, proper transport, and secure storage of crops are essential to reduce losses and limit food insecurity. He also encouraged farmers to build fire lines around their fields and homes to prevent fires from spreading.

“We call on farmers and residents, especially those in rural areas, to erect fire lines near their farms and homes to prevent fire outbreaks,” he said.

The director also appealed to the wider public, including hunters and pastoralists, to avoid setting bushfires, warning that such actions damage the ecosystem and threaten both wildlife and human communities.

“We appeal to everyone not to burn the bushes because this affects our environment, particularly wild animals and humans. We need to preserve our environment as many farmers plan to engage in agriculture projects next year,” Asiki said.

He added that his department will continue to use local radio stations to educate the public about environmental protection and fire prevention measures.

Both rural and urban areas in Yei River County are particularly vulnerable to fires during the dry season.