Nicosia:A programme of projects totaling more than £200 million is currently underway to strengthen and upgrade water and irrigation infrastructure through 2030, announced the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Environment, Christos Senekis.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the Cabinet has approved an additional allocation of 3.5 million cubic meters of water for irrigation, bringing the total additional amount of water allocated for agriculture in 2026 to 7 million cubic meters. This decision was made to alleviate the pressure from prolonged drought on agricultural production, providing farmers with some relief amidst difficult hydrological conditions.

The Minister highlighted the need for long-term planning, new infrastructure, and increased resilience to combat the water crisis, which cannot rely solely on rainfall and existing reserves. Measures are being taken to increase water production, including new desalination plants, reducing distribution network losses, and utilizing more reclaimed water for irrigation.

Additionally, two new emergency support programs totaling £1.5 million have been approved to address the increased costs of fertilizers and agricultural diesel. This follows an earlier round of support totaling £1 million, which has already benefited 650 professional farmers and agricultural businesses, bringing the total emergency support for increased production costs in 2026 to over £2.5 million.

The Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan for 2023-2027, with funding amounting to £454 million, aims to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of Cypriot agriculture. Through investments in modernization and technology, the plan seeks to support local entrepreneurship and agritourism, particularly in the Troodos region, with £3.1 million allocated to the Troodos Development Company for 2023-2027.

Senekis emphasized the importance of supporting mountain agriculture, not only for production but also for sustaining local communities. The government prioritizes supporting farmers to create a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector, ensuring a vibrant and productive countryside.