The agricultural sector has expressed strong concern over the management of irrigation water in Cyprus, with farmers warning that current allocation policies may threaten production and exports.
Speaking on a morning programme, the General Secretary of the Pancyprian Farmers’ Union, Tasos Giapanis, said the situation this year is significantly improved following four consecutive years of drought.
He noted that reservoir levels have risen to around 123 million cubic metres, compared to 59 million during the same period last year.
Reservoirs are currently at approximately 42% to 43% capacity, up from around 20% last year.
Call for more flexible water allocation
Giapanis argued that the improved irrigation water data in Cyprus should allow authorities to adopt a more generous and rational distribution approach.
He said current planning is still based on a three-year framework that does not fully reflect the updated water availability.
Impact on agriculture and livestock
He pointed to reduced water demand due to the culling of more than 80,000 animals affected by foot-and-mouth disease, noting that livestock such as cattle consume significant water quantities.
He also highlighted the importance of the Southern Conveyor system, which supplies water from Paphos to the Kokkinoxoria region, the country’s main potato-producing area.
Pressure on farmers and exports
Giapanis stressed that irrigation water shortages in Cyprus in recent years have weakened perennial crops, including olive trees, which have been maintained at survival levels rather than productive output.
He warned that insufficient water allocations could threaten export agreements, particularly for potatoes, Cyprus’ second-largest agricultural export product.
Government consultation ongoing
Following a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Giapanis said no final agreement was reached.
He added that the ministry proposed revisiting the issue at the end of July or early August, when planting plans for potatoes will be clearer.
Warning of possible measures
Farmers’ organisations are expected to reassess the situation in an upcoming meeting.
Giapanis warned that, if no solution is found, the agricultural sector does not exclude the possibility of taking dynamic measures to address the issue.
Also read: Driver arrested after fatal motorbike crash in Skarinou
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
