Newsroom
Banana growers and farmers in Paphos held a protest Saturday morning, demanding the delivery of water promised by the Water Development Department. The protesters called for equal treatment and appealed for intervention from President Nikos Christodoulides.
Farmers said the water they currently receive is insufficient. Banana growers from the Kissonerga-Peia area and farmers from western Paphos briefly blocked traffic on the Paphos–Chrysochou Bay road near Potima as part of the demonstration. Police were present but maintained a low profile.
Moses Pegeiotis, president of the banana producers, said the protest was to voice frustration over water allocation to their crops. He explained that although the Council of Ministers approved providing 50% of the normal water supply to permanent crops, banana growers have not received this amount. The program began May 19, but growers have still been unable to irrigate. Pegeiotis called the situation “unjustifiable” and said it cannot continue.
AKEL MP Valentinou Fakontis said there is a serious problem with water management. While the Ministry of Agriculture is making efforts, he said these have not resolved the issue. Fakontis urged the ministry to intensify its efforts and find a solution for producers who have gone over a month without irrigation. He added many crops are close to drying out, and numerous businesses and households are struggling.
Herodotos Antoniadis, Paphos district secretary of the Pancyprian Farmers’ Union (EKA), said the protest was prompted by unmet timelines set by the Agriculture Ministry. “The people of the primary sector have exhausted all options,” he said, stressing the need for immediate irrigation solutions. Antoniadis criticized the allocation of large amounts of water to golf courses and major developments while professional farmers are cut off.
Panikos Kaponas, district secretary of the Panagrotic Union, called the situation “a mockery” and said, “People have been devastated.” He urged the responsible ministry to take swift action.
Sotiris Kouparis, deputy mayor of the Drouseia district in Akamas, demanded the 50% water allocation given to other areas also be extended to Chloraka and Peia, where banana plantations are located.
Before the protest, growers and farmers gathered at the Akamas Municipality Cultural Center in Peyia.
