TRNC citrus producers demand explanations over opening orchards for hunting

The North Cyprus Citrus Producers’ Union (KKNÜ) has opposed the decision to open some citrus orchards for hunting. Union chairman Turgut Akçın said that 60–70% of the 2026 harvest has already been lost due to weather conditions, while the remaining fruit is now at risk of being damaged by shot.

The small game hunting season in the TRNC opened on 13 September. Hunting is permitted on only three days — 13, 20 and 27 September — and only in specially designated areas. The list of permitted species includes wood pigeon, wild pigeon, francolin, crow and magpie, while a map of the areas open to hunting was made publicly available to hunters.

According to Akçın, orchard owners reacted negatively to the inclusion of their land in the hunting zones and have already submitted complaints to the union. He stressed that the orchards were opened for hunting without consulting the owners themselves.

Akçın demanded that the authorities explain how the decision was made without the participation of producers, and warned that not only the fruit but also the workers employed in the orchards are now at risk.