Fikardou: Cyprus' Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, announced a significant government initiative to address the ongoing water crisis in the region. The initiative, valued at £168 million, aims to tackle water scarcity through strategic investments in infrastructure and water management. Additionally, measures amounting to £454 million are being promoted under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to support the agricultural sector.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Panayiotou emphasized the importance of supporting rural communities, highlighting the role of development and social cohesion in securing the country's future. She underscored the government's commitment to ensuring that villages have sustainable prospects, encouraging young people to remain and invest in their local communities, and reassuring agricultural workers of the state's support.
The Minister elaborated on the challenges facing the agricultural sector, notably water scarcity, climate change, and rising production costs. She pointed out that water management is a critical issue for agriculture, with the £168 million package focusing on infrastructure development, reducing water losses, and increasing water production. The plan includes enhancing water supply through desalination, maximizing reclaimed water use, and modernizing irrigation networks.
Cyprus currently reuses 90% of its reclaimed water, a figure significantly higher than the European Union average, covering 37% of the nation's irrigation needs. Panayiotou stated that the strategic goal is to meet all potable water supply needs through desalination, allowing dam water to be reserved exclusively for irrigation.
The Minister also discussed the implementation of the CAP Strategic Plan, with a budget of £454 million aimed at strengthening the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of the primary sector. She noted ongoing preparations for a new CAP Strategic Plan post-2027, with significant progress made during Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which concluded in June.
Panayiotou concluded her remarks by reaffirming the Ministry's commitment to supporting rural communities, emphasizing that strengthening Cypriot agriculture is an investment in food security, regional development, and the country's future.