Cyprus government allocates additional water for irrigation in 2026

On September 16, 2026, the Cypriot Council of Ministers approved the allocation of an additional 3.5 million cubic meters of irrigation water for the remainder of the year. Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Christos Senekis announced that 3 million cubic meters will be supplied via the Unified Southern Conveyor Scheme—allocated specifically for autumn seasonal crops including potatoes and tree cultivation—while 500,000 cubic meters will be provided through the Paphos Major Irrigation Project. This decision follows a technical evaluation by the Water Development Department, which identified surplus capacity resulting from favorable hydrological data since June.

Long-term water security remains a priority for the government, which has committed over 200 million euros through 2031 for infrastructure projects. This investment includes the construction of four new permanent, second-generation desalination plants in Eastern Limassol, Agia Thekla, Polis Chrysochous, and Dhekelia. While the current allocation provides relief to professional farmers, officials emphasized that the move does not signify an end to water scarcity, noting that strict resource management remains essential. Future efforts will continue to focus on modernizing networks and reducing reliance on rainfall to support the primary sector.