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More funding is being directed towards Cyprus’ water and irrigation infrastructure as prolonged drought continues to put pressure on agricultural production.
Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Minister Christos Senekis said on Tuesday that projects worth more than €200 million are planned through to 2030, with measures focusing on increasing water supplies, reducing losses and improving irrigation capacity.
Speaking at the annual General Assembly of SEDIGEP Oreinis Pitsilias-Troodous in Agros, Senekis said the Government was seeking to provide farmers with additional water while also preparing the country for increasingly difficult water conditions linked to climate change.
The Cabinet has approved a further 3.5 million cubic metres of water for irrigation, taking the additional amount allocated to agriculture during 2026 to 7 million cubic metres.
Senekis said the extra allocation was intended to ease the pressure created by prolonged drought, but stressed that Cyprus cannot rely on rainfall and existing reserves to manage its water needs.
The Government’s plans include the construction of new desalination plants, efforts to cut water losses from distribution networks and increased use of treated, reclaimed water for agricultural purposes.
€1.5m emergency support for farmers
The Government has also approved €1.5 million in emergency assistance to help farmers deal with higher fertiliser and agricultural fuel costs.
Applications for the two support schemes are due to open on November 2.
The latest package follows €1 million in assistance approved earlier this year. That funding has already been paid to 650 professional farmers and agricultural businesses.
Taken together, emergency measures introduced in 2026 to offset higher production costs have exceeded €2.5 million.
€454m under agricultural policy plan
Senekis also referred to Cyprus’ €454 million Strategic Plan under the Common Agricultural Policy for 2023-2027.
The plan is intended to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of the agricultural sector through investment, modernisation and greater use of technology and expertise.
Separate LEADER funding is also supporting communities in the Troodos area. The Troodos Area Communities Development Company has received €3.1 million for the 2023-2027 period, with funding directed towards local businesses, agrotourism and projects that make use of the region’s distinctive characteristics.
Senekis said supporting agriculture in mountain communities was important not only for food production, but also for maintaining local incomes and allowing residents to continue living and working in their villages.
He said government policy was aimed at creating a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector while keeping rural communities productive and viable.
