Farmers from free Famagusta to Paphos, particularly those cultivating potatoes, are apprehensive about potential crop losses. In regions including Nicosia, temperatures fell below zero, with some potato farmers estimating damage could reach 100%.
Yiannakis Gabriel, chairman of the Parliamentary Agriculture Committee, noted after visiting the Famagusta district, "We will determine the true extent of the damage in a few days. However, what we witnessed this morning (yesterday) is unprecedented. It's extraordinary to still see water frozen on potato leaves at 9 a.m." He added that potato crops are more sensitive, suggesting a rise in agricultural product prices is likely.
Efthymios Kermanos, vice-president of the Pancyprian Potato Growers' Organisation, reported substantial damage to early and mid-early crops in areas such as Liopetri, Sotira, and Frenaros. He mentioned, "We will wait another two days to assess the extent of the damage before calling on the Department of Agriculture to record the losses."
Andreas Karyos, from the Pancyprian Potato Growers' Coordination Committee, highlighted farmers' selective efforts to save larger potatoes. "Potato farmers across Cyprus remain vigilant throughout the night, trying to protect their crops. They monitor the temperature, and as soon as it drops to one or zero degrees, they start machinery to spray water on the plantations until sunrise."
Farmers initiated frost protection measures, with support from the Minister of Agriculture, who ensured water availability. The Minister stated the ministry's ongoing communication with the agricultural community to safeguard crops.
The Minister of Agriculture emphasized that despite low dam capacity, the Water Development Department provided necessary water for frost protection. Measures are in place to prevent power outages affecting agricultural operations.
Initial damage assessments by the Department of Agriculture are underway. The Ministry of Agriculture noted, "Where provisions of the National Framework for State Aid for damages from adverse climatic phenomena are met, announcements will be issued immediately calling on those affected to submit relevant Damage Declaration forms."
In Paphos, potato plantations face total destruction due to prolonged snowfall. Producers in the Mandria-Timi area report massive losses, including damage to irrigation systems. They foresee increased costs due to the need for additional resources, impacting both producers and consumers.
Source: Philenews
