R1bn worth of crops destroyed in fires across the country - Agri SA
Agri SA CEO Christo van der Rheede says at least R1 billion worth of crops and livestock were destroyed in fires across the country since mid-August.
"It has been quite devastating we have seen large hectors of grazing being destroyed also livestock in particular cattle, sheep, as well as game," said Van der Rheede.
Devasting fires have been ranging in parts of the Northern Cape, Free State, North West and Limpopo since mid-August.
The recent fires in the Northern Cape were extinguished on Sunday by the much needed rainfall that fell.
Van der Rheede said the large-scale damage comes as the agricultural sector is already burdened by many other challenges.
"Load shedding has impacted very negatively on the sector, Avian Flu (bird flu) has been very destructive on the poultry industry, then there are all kinds of cost drivers such as fertiliser costs and the impact of the foot and mouth."
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