Nicosia, Cyprus. Potato growers discussed securing an adequate water supply for potato crops with Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou on Friday, with the agriculture ministry saying the matter would be taken up with the Water Development Department. Farmers also raised concerns about higher production costs linked to drought and international developments.
Water supply and production costs
During the meeting, potato growers said the cost of production had increased because of drought and international developments. They said ways should be found to support farmers who have lost income.
Land for cultivation
Panayiotou requested information from the forestry department regarding forest land that could be used for cultivation. The farmers also suggested using state land, and the minister said the proposal would be examined.
Support measures and sector modernisation
The minister said potato growing had been strengthened in recent years through compensation for crop damage caused by extreme weather conditions, along with other interventions. The meeting also covered the ministry’s initiative to modernise the sector and the possible transformation of the potato trading council into a more modern and effective organisation.