Pampos Vassilas
The sharp rise in grain and fuel prices and the fact that they were accompanied by rapid increases and various agricultural needs, hit the once flourishing class of wheat producers. As a result, during this period, which is considered the time of sowing the grains for the Cypriot grain producers, a large percentage of the industry is unable to afford the costs. That is, to buy grain seeds, fertilizers, other agricultural necessities required for this type of production, but even to pay the plowing and sowing fees. As there are grain producers who do not have their own tractors and plows and pay professionals for these jobs.
According to professional tractor drivers and farmers, even this price of agricultural oil has come close to one euro from the long-standing 50 and 60 cents. Imported and local grain seeds range around 500 euros per ton and are 50 to 70 euros more expensive than last year. As for fertilizers, grain growers and farmers in general are in despair, as from 400 euros per tonne that was about last year, this year prices reached up to 625 euros per tonne. That is, in all categories of fertilizers there was an increase in price by about 200 euros or more.
Close to all this, point out the professionals and the owners of agricultural machinery, significant increases were recorded in the prices of motor oils, tires, filters, etc., which are included in the cost list of grain producers and farmers in general.
“It is obvious that one after another, the professional groups of farmers are sinking. And the state is not in a position to formulate policy. The rural class is impoverished “, a representative of an agricultural organization in Athienou told us, where a large portion of the farmers are grain producers and cattle breeders.
SEE ALSO: K. Kailas: Agriculture needs help
Reflection
The clearly elevated prices of cereals at this time, combined with the poor, meager production of local cereals due to drought problems, have inevitably resulted in a large number of cereals being left without a satisfactory income. This, in combination with other factors, has led this professional category of farmers to the point of not being able to be active this year. That is, to cultivate their fields with grain, as there is no mechanism that can lend them money or support them in some other way, in order to plant grain. The other factors that have contributed to the deterioration of the situation of these farmers are the rapid increases observed in species such as fuel, pesticides, fertilizers and other agricultural necessities needed by grain producers and farmers in general. This was stated to “F” by the General Secretary of PEK Christos Papapetrou, pointing out in turn that all this unfortunately brings a large portion of grain producers in a very difficult position. It should also be noted, Mr. Papapetrou added, that the problem is to some extent due to the fact that unfortunately last year, many areas were not declared drought-stricken even though they were, and the grain producers did not receive any help. Because they were not covered by the new fund created by the state for this purpose. Because the content of the regulations of the new fund, left for many and various reasons, apart from compensations many grain producers, who under the previous regime in force, would receive some help.
THE AGRICULTURAL MOVEMENT IS SERIOUSLY CONCERNED
Expressing support and deep concern for the problem that suddenly arose, the General Secretary of PEK Christos Papapetrou said that the agricultural movement is already concerned and is studying ways to support grain producers who are in this very difficult situation.
