We are next to you, next to each and every one of you, and we are making every effort to improve the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, said the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Maria Panagiotou, welcoming the 1st Tangerine Festival in Arakapa.
Mrs. Panagiotou characterized as decisive the role of the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy 2023 – 2027, which foresees a total funding of €454 million, for the support of agricultural activity and the sustainable development of our countryside.
He referred to the policies of the European Union in matters of actions to reorganize and improve the agricultural sector. “The channel of communication that we have opened with the farmers' organizations, especially under the current circumstances, confirms our willingness to work with you on the issues that concern you,” he said.
“Our common pursuit is a modern, efficient agricultural sector, which ensures a fair income for the people who serve it, always taking into account the demands of society and the directions set by the large European family in which we are part. Our goal is to support rural communities so that they remain vibrant centers of economic, social and cultural development, combining agriculture, tourism and the protection of our natural environment,” he said.
The Minister of Agriculture said that her visit to Arakapa gave her the opportunity to get in touch with the rural world and hear the difficulties and problems they face. Referring to the Arakapa mandarin, she said that “it has been extensively cultivated in the region for decades, and is in demand throughout Cyprus for its quality and, above all, for its unique aroma”.
“This particular mandarin variety was introduced to Cyprus in the distant 1870, however, over the years, it has acquired its own special characteristics and is now a certified separate unique variety, which has been registered in the National List of Varieties of Cyprus and, by extension, in the Community List of Fruit Varieties, under the name “Dopia”. One of the characteristics of this variety is its resistance to cold. This is also the reason why it is cultivated successfully in semi-mountainous areas such as the region of Arakapa, which is located at an altitude of 650 meters,” he said among other things.
As said by Mrs. Panagiotou, mandarin trees are, at the same time, a good source of income for the residents, who, despite the challenges faced by the citrus sector in Cyprus, continue to produce delicious and aromatic fruits of high quality, responding to market demands. Their dedication and perseverance also contributes to the preservation of the natural beauty and character of the area.
“The development of the primary sector in our country is a top priority of the program governance of the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides. Although today the contribution of the primary sector to the country's Gross Domestic Product is small, nevertheless, it can gain momentum for significant growth and play a key role in expanding the productive base of our economy”, he underlined.
Source: KYPE
