Paphos farmers took to the Konia roundabout at the start of the Paphos-Limassol motorway today, bringing tractors, pickup trucks, and various agricultural machinery.
They protested against current agricultural policies and conditions, causing a stir at one of the city’s main entrances.
The protest in Paphos was part of a broader movement, with simultaneous gatherings in Nicosia, where farmers from other districts convened outside the House of Europe to voice similar concerns.
The decision for Paphos farmers to hold a separate event in their district was made to avoid the logistical challenges and high costs associated with transporting heavy machinery over long distances to the capital.
From early morning, farmers started gathering at the roundabout, and by 10 a.m., the protest was in full swing. In a bid to raise awareness among the public, the farmers took the opportunity to share their grievances with passing drivers, distributing locally produced fruits as a gesture of goodwill.
Charalambos Pittokopitis, the provincial secretary of the Pancyprian Farmers Union (PEK) in Paphos, highlighted the dire circumstances faced by the agricultural sector. He urged consumers to stand in solidarity with the farmers, stressing that the issues plaguing the industry today could have broader implications for all citizens and households soon.
Pittokopitis pointed out the untenable rise in production costs and the lack of control over imports from third countries. He also criticised the European Union’s ongoing negotiations for a trade deal with South American nations, which could lead to an influx of imported agricultural products, further threatening the livelihoods of local farmers.
The demonstration was closely monitored by the police, who managed the traffic flow to prevent congestion and ensure the safety of both protestors and motorists.
The event concluded peacefully, with the farmers dispersing and traffic returning to normal shortly after the machinery was cleared from the roundabout.
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