Potato producers in Cyprus will receive financial aid and compensation due to recent cold weather and hail. Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou announced that farmers can now submit damage declarations on the Agriculture Ministry's website.
Panayiotou stated, "The last few days have been a nightmare for farmers," after visiting those affected in the Famagusta and Larnaca districts. A four-step plan, developed in consultation with potato growers, aims to offer financial support and compensation for crop losses. Meetings with agricultural organizations and organized potato farmers are scheduled throughout the week to discuss additional measures.
In Famagusta and Larnaca, farmers faced challenges protecting crops from frost. Efforts to save potatoes included overnight watering of vegetables, melons, bananas, and fruit trees. Despite these actions, many crops have been lost, as reported by agricultural organizations.
Andreas Karyos, head of the potato producers' association, mentioned that no potato shortages are expected, but prices might increase.
In Paphos, damage assessments have concluded, revealing that approximately 5,000 acres of potatoes are affected. The most impacted communities include Mandria, Timi, Kouklia, Geroskipou, Anarita, Achelia, Ayia Varvara, Emba, and Kissonerga.
The Department of Agriculture's teams began damage assessments on Monday morning in the Polis Chrysochous area, in both eastern and western Paphos, and in semi-mountainous regions, including the area between Polemi and Stroumbi.
Source: Cyprus Mail