Cypriot farmers warn of a critical drop in crop yields

The drought affecting Cyprus has led to a sharp reduction in yields on modern plantations. Due to a chronic lack of moisture, trees have almost stopped bearing fruit, and producers are suffering losses: costs for fertilizers, fuel, labor and equipment remain the same, but production volumes have fallen to a minimum. For many farms, the season is becoming unprofitable, and the sector requires immediate state support.

Tasos Yapanis, head of the Cypriot Farmers Association, notes that while Morocco, Tunisia, Spain and Greece harvested strong crops, Cypriot production has almost come to a halt. According to him, the prolonged water shortage prevents trees from absorbing nutrients and forming fruit:

— “Trees lack the moisture needed to develop and retain fruit. Yields are extremely low.”

The situation is further complicated by the fact that global olive oil prices remain unchanged — large producers face overproduction. As a result, Cypriot farmers harvest very little but cannot compensate for losses with higher prices. Meanwhile, costs continue to rise: fertilizers, pesticides, fuel, labor and equipment maintenance are becoming more expensive. According to Yapanis, if earlier a farmer could earn around 100 euros per month, today — only 20–30, despite loans and obligations.

Producers demand an increase in water supply volumes. For modern linear plantations, they insist on at least 400 cubic meters per 10 decares — otherwise the crops may be lost. Currently, around 250 is allocated, which they say is insufficient. The organization is also requesting direct financial aid:

— “If we don’t help the farmer today, tomorrow will never come.”

As an additional measure, Yapanis calls for the urgent implementation of cloud seeding technology. This method is used in dozens of countries, but in Cyprus the discussion has dragged on for years. He emphasizes that large-scale projects — desalination, mobile units, network reconstruction — require three to ten years, while farmers need to survive now.

Agricultural producers are appealing to the state to intervene and prevent further decline of the sector. After four years of drought, the natural fruiting cycle has been disrupted, and without urgent action, recovery may take much longer.