Severe crop damage reported in Kokkinochoria region due to strong winds

Early potato crops in Ormideia, Xylofagou, Liopetri, and Sotira have suffered extensive damage due to high winds and sea salt spray. Andreas Karyos, representative of the Pancyprian Potato Producers Coordinating Committee, confirmed the destruction after consulting with the Department of Agriculture. Officials have been requested to inspect the affected areas to allow farmers to file official damage reports. In addition to potato crops, several greenhouses in the Paralimni and Sotira areas were also affected. Producers are urging the Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panayiotou, to expedite a proposal to the Council of Ministers for compensation regarding separate frost damage that occurred on February 24 of last year. The sector is currently facing compounded challenges due to this latest weather event impacting the primary production sector.