BANANAS NEED WATER TOO!
PAPHOS HIT THE HARDEST!
Cyprus as a whole is bracing itself for a year of water scarcity after one of the driest winters since 1997. The whole Cyprus reservoir system is far from running at full capacity, with reservoirs across the island remaining on average just a quarter full. Water shortages, particularly across the district of Paphos, have been further compounded by the draining of the distirict’s Mavrokolympos reservoir and the recent destruction of the area’s major desalination plant to fire. The district, as a result, is now severly exposed to water shortages.
A LIMITED SUPPLY OF WATER!
This has left Banana farmers across the district anxious over the impact of what the limited water supply may have on this year’s crop. The owners collectively claim that their crops are at genuine risk due to pending water shortages with banana plantation owners appealing to the government to offer more support. They maintain that the Asprokremmos reservoir, which also serves the district, maintains minimal water levels that are not adequate for their needs. This comes after extra pressure was placed on it due to the closure of the Mavrokolympos dam, which lost roughly 1.4 million cubic metres of water when it was closed for repairs. The lack of a viable desalination plan after a fire destroyed the district’s main desalination plant near the village of Kouklia has also complicated the situation.
WATER SUPPLY HALVED!
The water supply to the district’s farmers overall has been cut to half, leaving banana farmers in particular, struggling to source enough water to irrigate their crops properly. The Paphos Banana Farmers Association have warned that if the current water supply issues continue, then their bananas will lose their quality and will remain unsold. Whilst the full extent of the impact caused by the lack of water has not yet been assessed, they are still requesting financial guarantees from the government to cover any financial losses that they may incurr.
WHAT DO BANANAS NEED?
Banana trees require constant hydration, meaning that an average-sized banana plantation needs approximately 1,500 tonnes of water per year. Banana plantation owners fear that continued water supply problems would prevent their crops from growing large enough to be sold on the open market. It is projected that given these circumstances, the price of Cypriot bananas will ultimately increase for both wholesalers and consumers making them an unviable product. Paphos authorities have responded by rapidly employing new mobile desalination units to address the ongoing water issues. They have also called for two new dams to be built in the district to protect it against future droughts; however, to date, no further plans regarding this have been put in place.
CARVING A NICHE IN LOCAL FRUIT MARKETS
Banana cultivation in Cyprus has developed over several years. During this time, Cypriot bananas, renowned for their distinctive flavour and high nutritional value, have managed to create a niche in several global fruit markets across the world. Cyprus banana cultivation has also created a rich cultural heritage on the island. To date, many stories highlight the fruit’s significance Cyprus and its economy. A storied history of the Cypriot banana is also observed within the Cypriot dialect. Locals have often referred to the banana as ‘koutsomoures’, which is a term believed to derive from the ancient Greek word for ‘yellow’.Â
CULTIVATED SINCE ANCIENT TIMES
Native to Southeast Asia, this little yellow bundle of joy has a long history that traces back thousands of years. Countries such as Malaysia, for example, are known to have cultivated bananas since ancient times. The fruit eventually spread to other parts of the world through several trade routes. By the time bananas reached the Mediterranean, various other cultures had already recognised their agricultural potential and nutritional benefits.Â
ANOTHER BRITISH IMPORT
British administrators, during British colonial rule on the island, saw the potential for various cash crops in Cyprus. As a result of this, the installation of banana plantations garnered serious attention at the time on the island. The British had already successfully created banana plantations in several other countries across their empire and were eager to add Cyprus to the illustrious list of banana-producing countries. This came to fruition when bananas finally arrived on the island at the turn of the 19th century. The wholesale cultivation of the fruit began shortly thereafter. This saw several banana plantations established across the island.
IDEAL CONDITIONS
The geographical features of Cyprus, particularly its volcanic soil and temperate climate, create ideal conditions for banana cultivation. The fruit, because of this, began to thrive on the island’s sun-drenched shores. Coastal regions, particularly the districts of Paphos in the west and Famagusta in the east, were particularly coveted for growing bananas and by the 1950s, Cyprus was firmly on the banana production map. The next decade ushered in a significant boom for the island’s banana cultivation. The Communal Agricultural Organisation played a vital role in organising banana farmers and providing technical assistance. This ensured that high quality standards were kept and Cyprus went on to become one of Europe’s primary banana suppliers. This in turn fostered huge economic growth for the sector, increasing employment opportunities within rural communities on the island. As banana cultivation expanded, so did the exportation of the fruit. This helped to create a burgeoning export industry that further boosted the island’s export profile all over Europe.Â
A SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE
Today, the combination of favourable growing conditions and dedicated new farming practices ensures that Cypriot bananas continue to delight consumers both on the island and beyond. While the banana industry in Cyprus remains relevant, it has not been without its challenges however. Recent adverse weather conditions, as well as several avid pests, continue to threaten banana cultivation on the island. This has led to fluctuations in production every year. Moreover, global market competition has intensified, pressuring Cypriot farmers to adapt to changing conditions and consumer preferences. In response, plantation owners have focused on research and development, This has allowed them to explore innovative new sustainable farming techniques and organic cultivation. This has also allowed them to create value-added organic products that maintain competitiveness in the global market. These sustainable practices have ensured the continued quality of the fruit, enabling Cyprus not only to preserve its natural resources but also to compete in the international market as a sustainable supplier. This ongoing commitment to sustainable farming practices and the dedication of local plantation owners has ensured that banana production has remained at the forefront on the island.
A BRIGHT YELLOW FUTURE
As awareness of sustainable practices grows, the future of banana cultivation in Cyprus remains promising, This has helped to secure the fruit’s legacy on the island. This is further emphasised by the fact that the banana domestically has become a fruit of choice and features prominently in local cuisine. the banana now dominates several Cypriot desserts, maintaining its cultural significance. The banana in some ways also symbolises the island’s agricultural prowess by contributing significantly to the island’s export economy. All of this, along with adopting new sustainable farming practices promoting biodiversity and reducing harmful pesticides, means that the future of banana cultivation on the island looks bright yellow.
CYPRUS BANANA FACTS
- Irrigated by the Asprokremos Dam, the Paphos banana plantations from Coral Bay to Agios Georgios are the largest in all of Cyprus.
- Cyprus currently produces over 5,000 tonnes of bananas every year.
- Bananas are the 313th most exported Cypriot produced product.
- Cyprus is both the 80th largest exporter and the 76th largest importer of bananas in the world.
