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Although not important in the initial phase, other structural factors have
predetermined agriculture's limited potential in the development of the région.
Citrus production in Cyprus is wholly dépendent on irrigation, so over planting was
already a problem and perceived as such in the 1960s 90 when the government of the
Republic imposed heavy restrictions on planting and pumping in coastal areas,
particularly around Morphou and Famagusta. Since then subséquent water
development projects in the Troodos région, may have reduced further the
availability of water in the main citrus growing, Morphou area. After 1974
however, the seasonal flow of two rivers was diverted in an attempt to refill
depleted aquifers, though this was not nearly enough to sustain the acreage under
production. To little avail; the signs of water shortages and soil contamination from
sea water intrusion are obvious to anyone who Visits the area. Adverse price
movements in the early 1990s made much citrus production marginal, heightening
the perception of decay. However, price supports insulated farmers from realising
more productive, profitable and water conserving possibilities.
The région's ecological interdependence with the south is possibly another
exogenous factor limiting development. The Coming to fruition of much investment
in the south 91 , the rétention and consumption of more run off there, particularly
from Troodos (where most rain and snow falls), left the north with severe water
shortages if existing production of export agriculture was to be maintained. Overpumping
of aquifers since de facto partition and a decade of low rainfall have made
a bad situation worse. As a conséquence the formerly lush citrus groves around
90 UN. Programme of Technical Assistance, 1961. Cyprus - Suggestions for a Development
Programme, (the 'Thorp Report'). Prepared by Willard L. Thorp. NY: UN, pp.32-33; Haid, M.W.
1968. A Study of the Cyprus Economv. Nicosia: Printing Office of the Republic of Cyprus, pp.59-
60.
91 The Southern Conveyor Project relays surface water from Troodos to Nicosia, some of which
would have previously refilled ground water supplies in the north. In 1986, the pipes for the project
alone accounted for 3 % of total imports, costing the équivalent of 1 % of GDP, Republic of Cyprus,
1992. Economic Report 1991. Nicosia: Ministry of Finance, Dept. of Statistics and Research, pp.
99, 263-264.
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