Powerful winds carrying sea salt destroyed early potato crops in eastern Cyprus, across several agricultural communities. Farmers in Ormidia, Xylofagou, Liopetri and Sotira are now assessing the damage, and in many cases, there is little left to assess.
According to Andreas Karyos, representing the Pancyprian Coordination of Potato Producers, large sections of early potato plantations were effectively wiped out when strong coastal winds pushed salty moisture inland, burning the plants and killing crops that were nearly ready for harvest.
Unlike storms that flood fields or hail that leaves visible destruction, salt damage works differently. The plants absorb the salinity, dry out, and collapse, often beyond recovery before farmers even realize how serious the impact is.
Producers say the scale of destruction appears significant, adding yet another challenge to an agricultural sector already struggling with rising costs and unpredictable weather.
Karyos has asked Department of Agriculture officials to visit those areas as soon as possible so an official damage assessment can be issued; that is crucial, as farmers cannot file compensation claims without confirmation from authorities.
Source - https://www.ekathimerini.com
