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Agriculture Reporter

FOLLOWING the Meteorological Services Department’s (MSD) flood warnings in the country’s low-lying areas in the next few days, farmers have been warned against venturing into their fields during the forecast period, as a precaution to save lives.

In a statement yesterday, the Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (AARDS) chief director Professor Obert Jiri urged farmers with fields in low-lying areas to avoid going to work in the fields during this period.

“Those with homesteads in low-lying areas should move to high safe grounds during this period to ensure safety,” said Professor Jiri.

In addition, farmers are advised to safeguard their livestock as they are exposed to extreme weather conditions.

“Please take care of your livestock as well as they are also prone to floods. You should therefore move them to safe places,” said Professor Jiri.

The floods that the country has been experiencing are part of the effects of climate change that has also seen the Government going the extra mile to put in place mechanisms to climate-proof agriculture as well as build resilience in the farming communities.

In addition to the precautionary measures outlined earlier, farmers were also urged to avoid using motorbikes in flooded areas and evacuate immediately when instructed to do so by authorities and follow instructions from public safety officials.

“You are encouraged to take heed of this warning, as provided by the competent authorities,” said Professor Jiri stressing on the need to watch out for possible flooding.

The MSD in partnership with the Department of Civil Protection said localised heavy rains in excess of 30mm and flash flooding in areas with saturated soils, wetlands, impervious grounds and along river basins were expected this weekend until Wednesday.

“In terms of preparedness, we have done our level best. Remember we are preparing to handle natural hazards in the form of flash floods and ultimately when we get into the season of cyclones, we escalate our preparedness,” MSD head of forecasting, Mr James Ngoma observed recently.

The Government has since tasked relevant stakeholders and traditional leaders to get their flood warning systems out to communities whilst district and protection committees countrywide have since mobilised.