Cyprus Potato Farmers to receive support after cold weather devastates their crops

Cyprus potato producers will receive financial aid and compensation after their crops suffered damage from recent cold weather and hail, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou said. Farmers can submit damage declarations through the Agriculture Ministry’s website.

Panayiotou has visited farmers in the Famagusta and Larnaca district. 

Maria Panayiotou:

"The last few days have been a nightmare for farmers."

She added that, in consultation with potato growers, a four-step plan has been developed to provide financial support and compensation for crop losses. Meetings with agricultural organisations and organised potato farmers will take place throughout the week to discuss further measures. 

Farmers in Famagusta and Larnaca have struggled to protect their crops from the frost of the past few days. In a desperate attempt to save potatoes, growers resorted to watering vegetables, melons, bananas and fruit trees overnight. However, many crops have already been lost, agricultural organisations said on Monday.

Andreas Karyos, head of the potato producers’ association:

"As of now, no potato shortages are expected but prices are likely to increase."

In Paphos, damage assessments have already been completed, with approximately 5,000 acres of potatoes affected. The hardest-hit communities in the district include Mandria, Timi, Kouklia, Geroskipou, Anarita, Achelia, Ayia Varvara, Emba, and Kissonerga. 

Teams from the department of agriculture started assessing damage on Monday morning in the Polis Chrysochous area, in eastern and western Paphos, and in semi-mountainous regions, including the area between Polemi and Stroumbi.