High-profile figures delve into clandestine agricultural connections.
In the bustling city of NICOSIA, Cyprus, the esteemed Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima embarked on an intriguing journey on Tuesday as they explored a potato field and production facility in the Mediterranean island nation. This exclusive visit entailed an extensive tour of the farm and facility located in Xylophagou and Liopetri, respectively, nestled within the island’s renowned potato-growing region.
Potatoes hold a significant position as Cyprus’s third most significant agricultural export, with a noteworthy observation that around three-quarters of all potato seeds utilized in Cyprus are imported from the Netherlands, as highlighted by Cypriot Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou. While Cypriot potato exports to the Netherlands remain modest, amounting to roughly 200,000 kilograms (441,000 pounds) valued at 250,000 euros ($263,500) in the first half of the previous year, Panayiotou expressed optimism that this signifies the commencement of a deeper relationship between Cyprus and the Netherlands in the agricultural sector. Particularly, the focus is on how Cyprus can leverage the specialized expertise of Dutch professionals in advanced technologies such as smart irrigation systems.
This collaboration is paramount for Cyprus, a region often plagued by droughts and increasingly reliant on desalination plants to fulfill its water requirements. In a proactive move, Panayiotou announced her upcoming visit to the Netherlands in June with the objective of devising a comprehensive strategy for transferring Dutch agricultural knowledge to Cyprus.
The royal couple is scheduled to conclude their enriching two-day visit on Wednesday, marking the end of a fruitful exploration into the intricate web of agricultural interconnectedness between two distinct nations.
