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Water supply disruption impacts banana farming in Cyprus' Paphos district due to reservoir draining

Banana growers in Cyprus' Paphos district are experiencing constraints due to water supply disruptions following the draining of the Mavrokolympos reservoir. This action was taken to address a corroded vent, coinciding with Cyprus experiencing its driest January since 1997.

The reduction in water supply has significantly impacted banana cultivation in Paphos, with farmers reporting insufficient water to meet irrigation demands. At a recent meeting attended by approximately 250 individuals, concerns were raised about the potential inability to produce marketable bananas if the water shortage persists. Some growers have requested governmental financial support to mitigate potential losses.

Moses Peyiotis, chairman of the Paphos banana farmers' association, expressed the need for government intervention, stating, "Help us in this effort we are making to cope with the difficult situation we are experiencing." He emphasized the necessity of maintaining previous water supply levels to ensure crop survival and productivity.

Paphos district governor Charalambos Pittokopitis also addressed the meeting, urging the central government to extend support to banana farmers, highlighting the need for equitable treatment across all farming sectors in Cyprus. He remarked, "I understand the critical issues we have seen with the lack of water, but this sector, and especially bananas, must be given special attention by the state."

Additional insights were provided by Peyia deputy mayor Andreas Christodoulou, who acknowledged the broader context of water scarcity exacerbated by the reservoir draining. Droushia deputy mayor Sotiris Koupparis noted the unresolved extent of damage due to water shortages, despite the Paphos district irrigation system's connection to the Asprokremmos reservoir. However, he cautioned that water availability from this source remains limited.

As of January 23, the Asprokremmos reservoir was reported to be at 28.5% capacity, a significant decrease from the previous year. Koupparis highlighted the critical water needs of banana cultivation, stating, "If regular irrigation cannot be carried out, the bananas will dry up."

The water scarcity has been compounded by the destruction of a desalination plant between Mandria and Kouklia in a recent fire, further straining the district's water resources. Governor Pittokopitis has proposed the construction of two new dams to mitigate future drought impacts.

Source: Cyprus Mail

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