Farmers exempted from rent payments for state land for two years

The government has decided to exempt farmers who rent state land from rent and other charges for two years, 2020 and 2021, it was announced on Tuesday.

Government spokesman Kyriacos Koushos said people who leased Turkish Cypriot, state, and forest land for agricultural purposes will not have to pay rent and usage fees.

Any rent or fees already paid will be taken into account for following years.

Koushos said the decision relates to the problems created by the coronavirus pandemic and the difficult financial conditions faced by farmers.

The decision was made by the cabinet in March but its announcement was delayed pending approval from the state aid commissioner, the spokesman said.