Farmers in Kokkinochoria and Paphos are preparing protests on July 22, angered by reduced water allocations that threaten crops and livelihoods.
Spokesperson Andreas Karyos told philenews that Kokinochoria producers will gather near Xylophagou’s ammunition depot, with a similar protest planned in Paphos (location to be confirmed).
Karyos stressed the protests will be peaceful, but warned of “more drastic measures” if water quotas aren’t increased. He highlighted water reductions began in 2022, impacting both the southern pipeline and Paphos’s Asprokremmos dam.
“This year, reductions have reached 60%. We went from 14 hours of water per week to just 4,” Karyos said. “Kokkinochoria has only 2 million cubic metres left for the year”.
He emphasised a lack of alternatives, warning of lower production and price hikes for consumers.
“Meetings with the Minister and Water Department haven’t yielded results, despite explaining the impact on farmers, consumers, and exports, particularly in potato production,” Karyos added.
Farmers are requesting an additional 3 million cubic metres: 2 million from the southern pipeline and 1 million from the Asprokremmos dam.
Karyos concluded that with increased water, farmers could manage with existing resources, ensuring more affordable agricultural products.
