Nicosia, Cyprus. Agricultural association president Kyriakos Kailas warned on Saturday that severe reductions in water supply to agriculture would have devastating consequences for farmers and consumers. He described the planned cuts as “catastrophic” as water scarcity worsens.
Planned reductions in household and agricultural supply
Kailas referred to a revised plan presented at a recent meeting at the agriculture ministry under which household water supply would be cut by 10 per cent and agricultural supply by 30 per cent. An initial proposal of 5 per cent for households and 35 per cent for agriculture drew objections from farming organisations, but Kailas said the adjustment offered little relief.
Impact on production and consumer prices
Kailas said farmers with boreholes would still produce very little under water cuts, and that what is produced would reach consumers at much higher prices due to increased costs.
Risks to permanent crops
He warned that reduced irrigation would place crops at risk, including fruit and olive trees, adding that if water is not provided to permanent crops they would be irreversibly ruined.
Concerns over animal feed and halloumi exports
Kailas also raised concerns about the production of roughage needed for livestock. He said that 50 per cent of feed must come from Cypriot production to keep PDO halloumi exports legal, and that without water this requirement cannot be met.
How do you think the planned water cuts will affect food prices and agricultural production in Cyprus?
