Cyprus was among the smallest producer of potatoes in the European area, according to a recent report from EuroStat. Our island produced 80.3 thousand tonnes in 2020, the report showed, placing Cyprus just behind Estonia at 88.4 thousand tonnes, but well ahead of Iceland at 7 thousand tonnes. A total of 55.316 thousand tonnes of potatoes were produced in the EU last year. Germany accounted for 21.2 per cent, Poland 16.4 per cent, France 15.7 per cent, the Netherlands 12.7 per cent and Belgium 7.2 per cent – Cyprus accounts for about 1 per cent. Surprisingly, the report shows that the area of potatoes in the EU has been in long-term decline. The cultivated area almost halved between 2000 and 2020 with, among the principal producer countries, particularly sharp reductions in Poland -71.3 per cent and Romania -41.4 per cent Nevertheless there were some exceptions with increases in the area of potatoes planted in both France (particularly since 2015), Belgium (particularly since 2009) and Denmark (also since 2015). According to theworldsbestfruitonline, “The distinctive red clay soil of Cyprus is perfect for growing potatoes and yields this versatile, thin-skinned potato. It’s popular for its good, earthy flavour. Cyprus potatoes are ideal for boiling and baking, and they also make very good chips.”
The Paphos EBE reports that the project of Leoforos Hellas, Griva Digeni and Neophytou Nikolaidis, will “change the face of Paphos,” says the Director Marino Stylianou, according to InBusiness News. “It will facilitate the road network to the maximum,” he added. Two contractors are at work on the project which is expected to last several months.
Stylianou said that the work of unifying the archeological sites and the road network of Kato Paphos, the work of Karavela and the modern city bus station on Tombs of the Kings Avenue are in progress. With the completion of these projects, he added, and if our epidemiological picture allows it, next year Paphos will be ready to receive its visitors without the existence of construction sites in the tourist area.