Dialogos

Anxiety Among Producers Over the Future of Banana Cultivation in Paphos

Published January 20, 2026, 19:01
Anxiety Among Producers Over the Future of Banana Cultivation in Paphos

Banana producers in Paphos are expressing strong concern for the future of the crop due to reduced water supply. Banana cultivation thrives exclusively in western Paphos and is particularly expensive. Reduced water supply has led to a significant decrease in production and a deterioration in quality, resulting in low incomes for producers. Farmers are calling for an expansion of desalination plants in Kouklia and Potima, to fully cover Paphos's water supply needs with desalinated water. In this way, water from the Kannaviou and Asprokremmos dams could be channeled to the agricultural sector. In addition, the operation of the desalination plant in the Polis Chrysochous district is proposed, so that borehole water can also be used for irrigation purposes. The Mavrokolybou dam has been repaired and is collecting satisfactory amounts of water, but this is not enough to reassure producers.