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7.—SUMMARY OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
7.—A summarized statement of any developments in the agricultural, forestal, fishing, mining, and other industries
of the Colony during the year under review, with a statement as to progress up to date. A special account should be given
of Government grants or other action for the development of the natural resources and industries of the Colony.
Cyprus is essentially an agricultural country, and the agricultural population is extremely conservative.
Nevertheless, owing perhaps largely to the dry conditions of the past three years, coupled with the low prices offered
for the smaller quantities of exportable produce, farmers have shown an increased desire to improve their methods.
Furthermore, the loss or partial loss of some nearby markets for certain products owing to tariff and other restrictive
measures has brought home to producers and exporters the necessity of searching for alternative crops and markets.
During 1933 the main agricultural developments were connected rather with marketing than production, and
•were rendered possible only by an improvement in the quality of produce offered.
A considerable improvement in the grading and packing of citrus fruit for export resulted in increased sales in
the United Kingdom and Northern Europe. This improvement was assisted and fostered by the introduction by
Government of an inspection service, by regulations governing the exportation of citrus fruit and pomegranates, and
by intensive propaganda, advice arid instruction.
There has been an expansion of the exportation of wines to the United Kingdom, which is the result of increased
demand due to improvement in quality. This improvement is due in large measure to propaganda carried out by the
Government and to instruction and assistance afforded by it to producers.
A steady demand exists in neighbouring countries for cattle, mules and donkeys from Cyprus. Unfortunately
unfavourable seasons have somewhat reduced the supplies of animals available to meet this demand, but the services
maintained by Government at Stud Stables throughout the Island and the provision of premium donkeys and other
stud animals on loan have maintained and improved the quality of the stock.
The flax industry continued to receive particular support. Specially trained Flax Instructors were provided to
assist and advise growers, and the scutching mills at Yeroskipos and Zodhia were enabled to scutch flax at a special
cheap rate.
The provision of Tobacco Instructors by Go vemment to assist the growers and instruct them in the proper methods
of growing and preparing tobacco was continued. M u c h of this tobacco is consumed locally.
The silk industry *was carried on under the close supervision of Inspectors, who are responsible by law for
encouraging and assisting production and giving advice. Prices are at present not such as to encourage increased
interest in this industry.
The threshing machinery and tractors purchased from funds granted by the Empire Marketing' Board have
aroused considerable interest. Owing to the poor harvest the demand for the use of these implements was small in
1933, but it is expected to increase in 1934.
Apart from these special forms of assistance to particular industries, the Agricultural Department of the Colony
continues to give advice, to encourage the cultivation of all suitable crops, to assist agriculturists, to control animal
and plant diseases, and, generally, to foster agriculture, the main industry of the Colony, in all its branches.
The investigations to locate sub-soil water with the aid of the drilling plants were continued, during the
year. The amount of additional water made available from these activities was 1,142,640 gallons per day. Twenty-six
wells were drilled, aggregating 4,960 feet of borehole, and of this number 16 wells were successfully earned to a second
source producing the amount of water mentioned above.
Owing to lack of funds re-afforestation was only possible on a small scale and only small extensions to the old
plantations were made. During the year some forest lands were ploughed, harrowed and sown bv a tractor, and
12,647 seedlings were sold to private individuals.
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Mining, whilst continuing to be affected by the limited demand for minerals and metals, would appear to have
a distinctly better outlook than for some years past. The Cyprus Mines Corporation commenced the construction of
a large metallurgical plant for the treatment of it3 pyrite ore in the Island, and the Asbestos Company, by reason of
a temporary reduction of royalty, was able to find new markets for it3 asbestos. Both mines have thus been enabled
to work more continuously and employ an increased number of persons.
Prospecting is still confined to the mining companies engaged in systematic drilling, the results of which are not
generally encouraging.
Among minor industries, carpet-making and broom-making showed continued activity.
Shoe-making and furniture-making are progressing. A number of wooden articles is manufactured by or in
accordance with designs of the Forest Department both for local use and for export. The number of articles so
manufactured is increasing and the local carpenters and furniture-makers are copying the Forest Department's designs.
The art of embroidery is also well advanced ; a great number of girls and women are engaged on needlework and
lace-making. Lace is in wide demand abroad.
The making of stockings by machinery mainly for local use has spread considerably and the industry of
iiat-makmg, for ladies, is gaming ground.
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