Despite recent flooding in Larnaca and the free Famagusta province, the potato supply in Cyprus seems unaffected, according to the Potato Producers and the Agricultural Association. Andreas Karyos, a representative of the Potato Producers, noted that while there will be a decrease in potato production, it will not be as significant as initially estimated.
Karyos stated, “some officials visited the fields from the following day of the floods and recorded the problems. However, it will take up to 20 days or even a month for the problem caused to the production to become apparent, and then we will need to apply for a Damage Declaration.” Compensation will be given if the Department of Agriculture estimates damage to exceed 30%.
Despite concerns over the winter potato crop due to diseases and reduced production caused by the floods, Karyos assured there will be no market shortages. He did, however, predict an increase in price. Exports will be affected, with losses estimated at 40% due to the heavy rainfall.
Tassos Yiapanis, General Secretary of the Agricultural Association, confirmed damage to newly planted potatoes due to heavy rains. He said, “many areas were affected, however, we will know in the coming days the extent of the damage and whether there will be a problem with the product shortage in the market, as producers continue to plant potatoes, and we hope that there will be no problem with the product availability in the market.”
The Agricultural Organizations are closely monitoring the situation and have asked the Department of Agriculture to assess the damages in the coming days.
Source: in-cyprus.philenews.com