A rainy season has given Cypriot producers cause to rejoice after five consecutive years of drought in the country. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism in Cyprus has now predicted that if the rain continues there will be an increase in yields from the island’s potato, citrus and herb growers.
George Hadjiafxentis, senior commercial officer of the ministry, said: “It rained in Cyprus on the third weekend of January and if this weather continues it will mean great things for the industry. At the moment, we are constructing three desalination plants, which will convert seawater into fresh water, so we can provide more water for the population. We have survived with the use of wells on farms for the last five years, but they are now beginning to dry up.
“Citrus production in Cyprus was down last year by five to 10 per cent in volume and fruit had a slightly smaller size. Potato production is steady and our fresh herb production increases every year because their cultivation does not rely so much on water. We are now back to the normal level of rain - we just need this to continue.”
The ministry has brought Cypriot producers and exporters to Fruit Logistica and before that Green Week for 30 years, and there were more than 15 Cypriot companies exhibiting at this year’s event.
