Alas: "Without Sustainable Solutions, We Face the Risk of a Major Food Shortage"

Alas emphasized that production challenges have been worsening since the pandemic began, despite repeated warnings to authorities. “Without sustainable solutions, we face the risk of a major food shortage,” he said.

Rising Costs Push Local Agriculture to the Brink

Pointing to the skyrocketing costs of raw materials, fertilizers, seeds, water, energy, and labor, Alas noted that these factors are crippling local agriculture. “Accessing these essential inputs is becoming increasingly difficult, and the rising costs are severely affecting both yield and quality,” he explained.

Global Action Contrasted with Local Inaction

Alas cited examples from other countries, such as Peru’s declaration of a State of Emergency in agriculture, France’s promotion of domestic products, and export bans in Algeria and Egypt to secure grain reserves.

“In contrast, Northern Cyprus has taken no proactive measures,” Alas said. “Since the pandemic, we’ve flagged these risks, but authorities ignored our warnings. There’s no strategic plan to protect food supply, and the only solution offered has been imports. However, if local production collapses, even imports will become unsustainable.”

Potato Queues Reflect Crisis

The queues outside the Soil Products Organization (TÜK) for potatoes are a stark symbol of the crisis, Alas remarked. Once an exporter of potatoes, Northern Cyprus now imports the crop, a development Alas called tragic.

“This situation should prompt serious questioning, not celebration. Without proper planning and action, we will soon see similar queues in supermarkets and grocery stores,” he warned.

“Food Shortages Are Inevitable”

Alas also pointed to the lack of population data and planning, making it impossible to meet future demand. “If we continue with this mindset, the queues we once saw at petrol stations and now at TÜK will soon appear in markets,” he cautioned.

Urgent Call for Strategic Planning

Alas called for a shift from short-term fixes to long-term agricultural planning, emphasizing the need for sustainable policies. “If no steps are taken to prioritize agriculture and support producers, the people of Northern Cyprus will face even harsher conditions,” he concluded.