CIU Highlights the Importance of Food Security

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Ok, a faculty member at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies at Cyprus International University (CIU), emphasized the importance of sustaining agricultural production in Cyprus, protecting water resources, and supporting local producers to ensure food security in a statement marking World Food Day on October 16.

Noting that agricultural production in Cyprus is also part of the island’s cultural heritage, Ok stressed the need to preserve its agricultural traditions, which extend from the citrus orchards of Güzelyurt to the grain fields of the Mesaoria Plain and the olive and carob trees of the Karpaz Peninsula. He stated that ensuring farmers receive fair compensation for their work, protecting agricultural land, and enabling young people to envision a future in the agricultural sector are essential for the continuity of production.

Pointing out that access to food is not limited to the availability of products on the market, Ok stated that ensuring everyone has access to sufficient, nutritious, and safe food should be a fundamental goal. He also highlighted the importance of transporting and storing food under appropriate hygienic conditions throughout the process, from production to consumption, as well as ensuring that consumers have the financial means to afford these products.
Drawing attention to the direct impact of climate change and the risk of drought on agricultural production in Cyprus, Ok emphasized the importance of using water resources efficiently and preserving soil fertility. He noted that artificial intelligence-powered systems could help plan irrigation based on soil moisture and weather conditions, while image analysis could contribute to the early detection of signs of diseases and pests. Ok added that these technologies should be tested under local conditions and evaluated with expert guidance.

Stating that the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies at CIU attaches great importance to connecting scientific knowledge with producers and training students to develop solutions to real-world agricultural challenges, Ok expressed his belief that cooperation between the university and local producers could contribute to the future of agriculture. Ok also emphasized that reducing food waste, planning consumption according to actual needs, and protecting soil and water are among the steps everyone can take in their daily lives to help build a sustainable food system.