Cyprus allocates funds to address agricultural water crisis

The Cypriot Council of Ministers has approved a financial aid package totaling €474,277 for the year 2026 to support 24 irrigation departments across the country. This initiative, proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, aims to assist with technical repairs, debt settlement, and operational expenses in response to the ongoing water crisis.

The demand for funding significantly exceeded available resources, as 24 applications were submitted requesting a combined total of €992,080. To manage the limited budget, the Water Development Department and the relevant committee implemented a rationalization strategy, prioritizing first-time applicants and projects with costs under €20,000. While the Ministry of Agriculture has committed to providing compensation to livestock farmers to mitigate drought effects and rising costs, this specific scheme serves as part of a broader effort to stabilize the agricultural sector.

Moving forward, the allocated funds will be distributed according to the prioritized list established by the authorities. This measure is intended to provide immediate relief to agricultural communities facing environmental challenges and water insecurity, ensuring that critical infrastructure remains functional despite budgetary constraints.