**Potato Farmers Warn of Persistent Water Shortages**
Cyprus' agricultural organizations, including Pek, Eka, and Panagrotikos, have raised alarms over ongoing water shortages that threaten the upcoming potato planting season. Despite recent rainfall, farmers are concerned that the water supply remains insufficient for irrigation needs.
Christos Papapetrou, president of Pek, emphasized the dire situation, stating, “Instead of irrigating right now, we are conserving water, whether that would come from government or irrigation projects or from our boreholes.” He noted that while some regions received adequate rainfall, allowing them to reduce reliance on boreholes and reservoirs, the overall water scarcity persists.
The recent rains, particularly in August, were noted to be above average for the season. Papapetrou expressed cautious optimism about potential inflows into reservoirs but warned that additional water reserves would be crucial for the planting of new potatoes. “If the necessary quantities of water are not provided, there is a risk of losing markets,” he cautioned, highlighting the urgency as the winter planting season approaches.
The issue of water shortages will be a key topic at an upcoming meeting with the new Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis, where agricultural leaders plan to advocate for increased water allocations specifically for potato planting.
Panikos Hambas, the leader of Eka, acknowledged the recent rains as “very beneficial” but urged caution against assuming that the water crisis has been resolved. He stated, “We should not get carried away now, because we had some rains, and consider that the problem has been solved.” Hambas emphasized the need for clarity on how much water from the Southern Pipeline will be available to potato growers, stressing that reduced production could jeopardize access to international markets.
Kyriakos Kailas, president of Panagrotikos, echoed these sentiments, noting the positive effects of the rains on various crops, particularly in mountainous regions where precipitation was more intense. “Even a little rain, no matter how little, helps,” he remarked, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by high evaporation rates due to ongoing warm temperatures.
As Cyprus grapples with these water shortages, the agricultural community continues to advocate for sustainable water management practices, including the continuation of the island's desalination policy to ensure a consistent water supply regardless of weather conditions. The upcoming discussions with the Agriculture Minister are seen as a critical opportunity to address these pressing concerns and secure the future of potato farming in Cyprus.