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Cyprus’ farmers are facing major losses as freezing temperatures from the Coral weather system devastate crops across the island. The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment has vowed to step in quickly, promising immediate support for those affected.
“The priority of the Ministry is to provide all possible support to affected farmers,” said Andreas A. Gregoriou, Director General of the General Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development, speaking to CNA.
Crop Damage Across Rural Cyprus
The extreme cold has hit agricultural regions hard, particularly in Paphos and other districts where potato and vegetable plantations have suffered the most. Farmers are scrambling to salvage what they can, but the damage appears severe.
Since Monday morning, teams from the Department of Agriculture have been conducting on-site assessments to determine the extent of the losses. The government is now working to speed up compensation payments, Gregoriou confirmed.
Financial Aid on the Way
To help struggling farmers, the government will activate the National Framework for state aid, allowing those affected to submit damage declaration forms starting Tuesday at their local District Agriculture Offices.
With temperatures expected to remain low in the coming days, officials will continue monitoring the situation closely. Gregoriou urged farmers to report any damage as soon as possible to ensure prompt assistance.
Fighting Frost with Limited Water
Adding to the crisis, Cyprus is also dealing with a prolonged drought, leaving dam levels critically low. Despite the water shortage, the Water Development Department has managed to supply enough water for artificial irrigation—a method used to protect crops from frost.
For many farmers, however, this may not be enough to prevent devastating losses. As the cold snap continues, the true scale of the damage—and the long-term impact on Cyprus' agriculture—will become clearer in the days ahead.
