Newsroom
Open-field farmers across Cyprus say another difficult agricultural season is unfolding as uncertainty over irrigation water continues to place heavy pressure on producers of crops such as potatoes and watermelons.
Growers are waiting for a Cabinet decision on whether water from major irrigation systems, including the Southern Conveyor Project in Famagusta district and Asprokremmos Dam in Paphos, will be allocated to their crops during the second half of 2026.
According to representatives of the sector, the lack of guaranteed water supplies has already caused severe financial strain over the past year. Farmers received no irrigation water for open-field cultivation during 2025, forcing many to rely on private boreholes and expensive repairs to old drilling systems in order to keep crops alive.
Producers argue that the additional costs linked to groundwater pumping, electricity use and infrastructure repairs have pushed farming expenses to unsustainable levels. They also say promised compensation linked to lost income and increased production costs never materialised.
Andreas Karyos, head of the potato producers’ organising committee, said growers feel excluded from decision-making despite repeated appeals to authorities. He stated that while desalination efforts are being expanded to support household water needs, farmers believe food production should also be treated as a national priority.
Current plans discussed by the Water Development Department reportedly include limited water allocations for tree crops and greenhouse agriculture, while open-field cultivation may once again be excluded.
Farmers warn that another season without irrigation support could reduce local agricultural output and place further pressure on producers already struggling with rising operating expenses.
The issue is expected to be examined by the Council of Ministers. Agricultural organisations have also warned that demonstrations could follow if no water is allocated to open-field crops.
