|
Cyprus Primary Sector
The primary sector of the Turkish Cypriot economy
accounted for
about one-tenth of the total GDP at the beginning of the
1990s, but
its share was in decline, indicating that the economy was
modernizing. Agriculture made up virtually all of the
primary
sector; fishing and forestry together accounted for less
than 1
percent of Turkish Cypriot GDP in 1990.
Agriculture
Although there was a sharp rise in the urban population
in the
1980s, the "TRNC" still had a significant rural element.
Close to
three-fourths of its land was used for farming or
forestry, and
almost a third of its work force was employed in this
sector. Even
in the second half of the 1980s, agricultural products
made up well
over half of all exports. The economy of the "TRNC" was
becoming
more developed, however, and by 1990 agriculture's share
of GDP was
only about 9 percent, half of its share in 1980.
Turkish Cypriot farming became increasingly mechanized
during
the 1980s. At the end of the decade there were 4,500
tractors in
the "TRNC," compared with 975 in 1975, and 220 combines.
Modernization also brought extensive use of fertilizers,
insecticides, and feeds. In some areas, however, where
modern
methods were not practical, traditional farming methods
were still
to be seen.
The government attempted to ensure a steady rise in
agricultural production by participating directly in this
sector.
It established the necessary infrastructure by carrying
out
irrigation projects, promoting land consolidation, and
constructing
farm roads. The state also oversaw broad research and
education
programs to inform farmers of the latest agricultural
methods. A
quasi-governmental agency, Tarim Sigortasi, provided
insurance
against crop failures. In addition, the government helped
farmers
to organize the marketing of their produce. Finally, the
state
provided agricultural credits and subsidies to farmers to
help them
improve their production and increase their incomes.
Data as of January 1991
|
