‘Potato crisis’ in North Cyprus as prices skyrocket

Lack of rainfall and high temperatures have taken a toll on the production of potatoes in north Cyprus and subsequent shortages in supply have led to high prices.

According to report by Turkish Cypriot media, Daily Yeni Duzen on Tuesday, many producers started harvesting unripe potatoes to meet demand of low potatoe production this year adding that the price will however, remain high as the crisis continues.

Last week, it was reported prices of potatoes reached 25 Turkish lira per kilo.

Producers, according to reports, argue that potato production has dropped this year by 60 per cent due to high temperatures and diseases. A warm winter meant losses in the spring and autumn crops.

The price crisis, however, was not their fault, they said, but is stemming from the merchants. 

Producers said that merchants are buying potatoes cheaply from them and preserving them in cold storage until the desired price is offered. They called for measures for the potatoes to reach the consumers straight from producers.

CM