Philenews

Paphos Banana Farmers: Cultivation Still at Risk

Published January 20, 2026, 13:23
Paphos Banana Farmers: Cultivation Still at Risk

Banana farmers in Paphos are expressing strong concerns about the future of their crops, despite recent rainfall. At a meeting in Peyeia, farmers emphasized the uncertainty regarding water availability for irrigation, recalling the difficulties of last summer. The president of the Paphos Banana Producers Committee, Moses Pegiotis, stated that the sustainability of the crops is at risk due to the unclear irrigation policy. The producers are calling for increased water supply from desalination plants, warning that banana cultivation in the area could collapse if there are insufficient water quantities. Specifically, they propose the immediate upgrade of the desalination unit in Kouklia to increase daily water production from 15 to 30 thousand tons. Additionally, they request that the water stored in the Mavrokolypos dam, after the completion of the repair work, be allocated for the irrigation of permanent crops in the Peyeia area. The lack of water threatens not only banana farmers but also other growers in the region. The meeting was attended by Paphos MPs, the Mayor of Akamas, and representatives of agricultural organizations, who pledged to promote the farmers' demands to the relevant government departments. The producers intend to make immediate representations to the government to expedite the procedures and ensure the sustainability of their crops.