Work is progressing on four new permanent desalination units in Eastern Limassol, Ayia Thekla, Polis Chrysochous and Dhekelia, with a combined capacity of 180,000 cubic metres of water per day, following a Council of Ministers decision on 2 September, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Christos Senekis said.
Additional irrigation water released
Speaking on Saturday at the Olive Festival in Anglisides, Senekis said improvements in Cyprus's hydrological outlook in 2026 allowed the Cabinet, through a decision last June, to revise initial water allocations and release an additional 3.5 million cubic metres of water for irrigation, including for the Southern Conveyor Project.
Reducing dependence on rainfall
"Our goal is to reduce dependence on rainfall and strengthen water security," Senekis said, noting that for the 2024–2030 period, a programme of works worth more than €200 million is under way, covering desalination, the use of recycled water, leak reduction and network upgrades.
Agricultural policy and funding
Senekis said the Ministry is working towards a sustainable and competitive agricultural sector, with the 2023–2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), backed by total funding of €454 million, as a key tool in that effort. He said growing interest in investment measures and the first-time establishment of new farmers, with total subsidy requests reaching around €210 million, points to appetite for investment and modernisation in Cypriot agriculture.
New financing tool for farmers
Senekis added that, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and interested banking institutions, a new Financial Tool for the agricultural sector has been developed to make it easier for farmers to access financing on more favourable terms.
Strengthening producers' market position
He also referred to the need to strengthen producers' position in the market through the creation of Producer Groups and Organisations, as well as the rollout of the e-Kofini platform for greater price transparency from field to shelf, and the implementation of legislation on Unfair Trading Practices.
Consultation on new CAP
On the new Common Agricultural Policy, Senekis said an open consultation with the farming community will begin on 8 October, aimed at ensuring the next CAP reflects the real needs of Cypriot agriculture.
