Open‑field crop producers across Cyprus have warned they will proceed with dynamic protests if the Council of Ministers rejects their request for water for irrigation.
Andreas Karyos, head of the potato producers’ coordinating committee, told CNA that farmers are deeply concerned by the Water Development Department’s decision not to supply water from the Southern Conveyor Project in Famagusta and from Asprokremmos dam in Paphos for their crops.
He said producers endured a difficult 2025, when no water was provided for their crops, forcing them to rely on boreholes and carry out costly repairs, significantly increasing their expenses.
Karyos added that while efforts this year are focusing on covering water needs through desalination, the primary sector should also be supported as it struggles to maintain production.
He said farmers feel their concerns are not being taken into account, recalling that they had previously been promised compensation for lost income and increased production costs, which has not materialised.
According to Karyos, producers managed to cover the first half of 2026 at their own expense, but warned they will not accept a similar situation in the second half of the year.
He added that authorities have indicated the issue will be referred to the Council of Ministers, with producers awaiting a final decision.
“If the government adopts the proposal not to provide water, farmers across Cyprus will not remain inactive and will proceed with dynamic protests at the appropriate time,” he said.
Source: CNA
