The heads of the Cyprus Agricultural Workers' Union (PEK), the Cyprus Agricultural Workers' Union (EKA) and the Cyprus Pan-Agricultural Federation (CYP) described the recent rains as beneficial for crops and the saving of irrigation water, in statements to CNA on Tuesday, emphasizing, however, that the water problem remains.
The issue is expected to be raised at the meeting of agricultural organizations with the new Minister of Agriculture next week, with PEK and EKA specifically highlighting the water needs for the new potato planting.
PEK President Christos Papapetrou stated that mild rains, when not accompanied by hail or other extreme phenomena, are particularly beneficial for tree crops, such as fruit trees, olive trees and citrus fruits.
"Instead of irrigating right now, we are conserving water, whether that would come from government or irrigation projects or from our boreholes," he said.
He explained that where there has been enough rain and the field has been adequately watered, irrigation will not be needed, resulting in savings in water from dams or boreholes. As he noted, both tree and open seasonal crops, such as cucumbers, tomatoes and other vegetables, are favored, but not greenhouse crops.
Mr. Papapetrou also said that the amounts of rain falling this August are greater than the usual isolated phenomena of the season, adding that, from what he has seen, there will definitely be inflows into certain dams.
Referring to the meeting with the new Minister of Agriculture, which is expected early next week, he said that one of the issues that the PEK will raise is the provision of additional quantities of water from the Southern Pipeline for the new potato planting.
"If the necessary quantities of water are not provided, there is a risk of losing markets," he said, noting that new planting for the winter season begins at this time and production and exports must be ensured.
For his part, the Secretary General of the Hellenic Rainfall Association, Panikos Hampas, described the rains as "very beneficial", noting that, despite the problems that intense phenomena can cause, it is positive that the water ends up on the ground.
He mentioned that problems have occurred in tree and other crops, citing downy mildew in vines as an example.
Mr. Hambas stressed that, despite the benefit of the rains, the water problem still exists. "We should not get carried away now, because we had some rains, and consider that the problem has been solved," he said.
At the same time, he acknowledged that recently the available quantities of water have been managed, noting that, although this does not fully satisfy the agricultural movement due to the great needs of producers, after the rains they may be able to "relax things somewhat."
Regarding the new potato planting, he said that the meeting with the Minister will discuss how water from the Southern Pipeline will be provided to potato growers.
"We cannot continue with reduced production, because we will lose our markets abroad," he said, underlining the importance of maintaining exports.
The Secretary General of the EKA also said that the desalination policy must continue, so that Cyprus becomes independent of weather conditions, as well as that treated water is properly managed.
The President of the Cyprus Pan-Agricultural Association, Kyriakos Kailas, stated that any rainfall is welcome and beneficial, noting that there was no damage from the recent phenomena, while the rains were heavier in some areas and lighter in others.
"Even a little rain, no matter how little, helps," he said, explaining that it contributes to water conservation and increases soil moisture.
As he mentioned, the rains benefit trees, permanent and seasonal crops, while especially in mountainous areas, where they were more intense, they help significantly, as water also ends up in dams.
Mr. Kailas noted, however, that with high temperatures, evaporation is much greater. "If we didn't have these rains, we would definitely be in a worse situation," he said.
He added that more can be said after the meeting with the new Minister next week.
Source: KYPE
