Minister Panayiotou announces 622 million euro package for water management and rural development

On July 5, 2026, during an event in Fikardou, the Cypriot Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou, announced government funding totaling 622 million euros. This investment consists of a 168 million euro package specifically designed to address water scarcity and a 454 million euro initiative aligned with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The water management plan focuses on infrastructure development, reducing water waste, and increasing production capacity through three primary pillars: expanding desalination to free up dam water for irrigation, maximizing the use of recycled water, and upgrading irrigation networks. Minister Panayiotou noted that Cyprus currently utilizes 90% of its recycled water, which covers 37% of the nation's irrigation needs. The broader rural development funds are intended to foster economic growth, promote social cohesion, and support agricultural producers facing challenges such as climate change and rising production costs. The government aims to encourage young people to invest in rural areas to ensure the future viability of these regions. The announcement was made in the context of the primary sector's ongoing struggle with drought and economic pressures.