Agricultural organisations have asked for a review of Cyprus’ water resource management plans to allow water to be allocated to potato farmers, among other requests raised during a meeting with Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis on Tuesday.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), representatives of the Pancyprian Farmers Union (PEK) and EKA described the meeting as positive. Discussions covered issues affecting the agricultural and livestock sectors, with a particular focus on climate change, water shortages and water management.
Concerns over water supplies
PEK President Christos Papapetrou said the agricultural sector is facing pressure from geopolitical developments, water scarcity and several EU decisions, including the green transition and trade agreements such as the EU-Mercosur deal.
He described the meeting as “very satisfactory”, noting that Senekis had chosen to meet with all agricultural organisations shortly after taking office, which he said demonstrated his intention to work closely with the agricultural movement.
More urgently, the organisations raised the issue of allocating water from the southern pipeline for potato cultivation.
Papapetrou said no water is currently being allocated for this purpose, meaning only farmers with boreholes have been able to proceed with cultivation. This has significantly increased production costs.
He said the organisations expect an answer from the Minister in the coming days, as potatoes must be planted by 15 September at the latest.
Senekis has instructed officials to reassess the situation regarding available water reserves and examine whether water can be allocated to agriculture.
Warning over production costs
Papapetrou warned that if water cannot be made available, potato cultivation will be affected and Cyprus could lose foreign markets.
He said using boreholes triples production costs, while also stressing the need to protect groundwater reserves, which are being over-extracted. Boreholes, he said, should only be used as a backup.
He added that the issues raised with the Minister are significant factors driving up farmers’ production costs. These costs cannot simply be passed on to consumers because agricultural products are basic necessities.
Calls for long-term agricultural planning
EKA Secretary-General Panikos Hambas described the meeting with Senekis as constructive, saying the new Minister faces major challenges.
He highlighted climate change and water management, arguing that more advanced water management is needed for agriculture and livestock farming. He cited Israel as an example.
“We raised the issue of redesigning agriculture in Cyprus so that whatever we cultivate is resilient to these extreme weather conditions, which will become more intense in the coming years,” Hambas said.
The discussions are expected to continue. Hambas said it was agreed that an agricultural advisory committee would be established, involving agricultural organisations, the Minister and relevant ministry services.
The committee would meet approximately every two months to address issues affecting the sector.
Hambas also said Stavros Malas’ team is submitting a livestock development plan to the President of the Republic, with agricultural organisations expected to issue a joint statement.
“We must finally organise ourselves through long-term, targeted programmes that will benefit the economy and the environment,” he said.
Also read: Unexploded shell found near Kalo Chorio firing range
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
