The agriculture ministry has awarded a tender for the purchase of a quantity of 20,500 tonnes of corn from alternative sources, with reserves for animal feed estimated to be down to three weeks supply as the Ukraine war has led to import disruptions.

In a statement, the ministry said that the commitment undertaken is for the corn to reach Cyprus the soonest possible, with a further 15,000 tonnes expected in a second batch, following a recent cabinet decision.

In the next few days, the same process will be followed for the purchase of 15,500 tons of barley for animal feed.