**Farmers in Larnaca and Famagusta Protest Water Allocation to Paphos**
Larnaca, Cyprus – Farmers from Larnaca and Famagusta are set to confront the Ministry of Agriculture on Monday regarding a recent cabinet decision that has left them feeling marginalized in the ongoing water allocation crisis. The cabinet approved the release of an additional 3.5 million cubic meters of irrigation water, with a significant portion—two million cubic meters—designated for the Paphos irrigation project, while the remaining 1.5 million cubic meters will be directed to the southern conveyor system.
Despite the intention behind this allocation to alleviate the severe water scarcity experienced this year, farming representatives argue that the distribution has exacerbated feelings of inequality among different districts. Farmers in Larnaca and Famagusta contend that they have been disproportionately affected by the decision, particularly as the southern conveyor system services a larger agricultural area.
The situation is particularly dire for potato growers in the Kokkinochoria region, who are uncertain about their water supply for the growing season. Many producers are already reporting that irrigation supplies for olive groves and fruit orchards are nearing depletion. There is widespread concern that the available water reserves may not last until the end of summer, threatening crop yields and overall agricultural productivity.
Tasos Yiapanis, secretary-general of the Pan-Agricultural Association, emphasized the urgency of the water crisis, stating, “It is not possible to have reserves of the order of 121 million cubic meters and not be able to allocate another two million cubic meters of water for potato cultivation.” He highlighted the potential financial repercussions for producers who are bound by contractual obligations and agricultural support schemes, warning that failure to meet cultivation targets could result in significant losses and penalties.
In addition to the immediate water allocation concerns, Yiapanis raised issues regarding unresolved matters related to forest plots in areas such as Xylofagou and Sotira. He pointed out that restrictions on subletting land hinder farmers from claiming compensation for natural disasters and limit their access to agricultural subsidies.
Farming organizations assert that the agricultural sector has borne the brunt of the ongoing water crisis and advocate for the use of available reserves to safeguard production and mitigate further losses. As the farmers prepare for their confrontation with the Ministry of Agriculture, they remain steadfast in their demands for a more equitable distribution of water resources to ensure the sustainability of their livelihoods and the food production system in Cyprus.
The upcoming meeting is expected to be a pivotal moment for farmers as they seek to address their grievances and push for a resolution that acknowledges the challenges they face amid the ongoing water scarcity.