The Council of Ministers has approved the allocation of an additional 3.5 million cubic metres of irrigation water for the remainder of 2026 in a move aimed at supporting agricultural production amid ongoing water shortages.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture, the additional allocation will be distributed through two major irrigation systems:
- 3 million cubic metres from the Southern Conveyor Project.
- 500,000 cubic metres from the Paphos Irrigation Project.
Support for seasonal crops and potato production
Of the additional water to be supplied through the Southern Conveyor Project:
- 2 million cubic metres will be allocated to autumn seasonal crops, including potato cultivation.
- 1 million cubic metres will be directed to tree crops.
The ministry said the decision is intended to provide targeted support to the agricultural sector during a critical production period.
Decision based on updated water data
According to the ministry, the government's decision was based on updated hydrological information and a technical assessment carried out by the Water Development Department.
Officials said increased inflows recorded since the Cabinet's decision in June, together with trends in domestic water consumption, created sufficient flexibility to allow additional irrigation supplies to be released.
Drought concerns remain
The ministry stressed that the decision does not mean Cyprus has overcome its drought challenges.
It warned that strict management of water resources remains essential and that the country's water supply situation continues to require careful monitoring.
According to the announcement, the additional allocation will be implemented under continuous supervision of consumption levels, with any excessive use to be addressed through the corrective measures already provided for under existing regulations.
Government pledges support without compromising water security
The Ministry of Agriculture said the government remains committed to responding to the documented needs of the farming community whenever conditions permit.
At the same time, it stressed that support for agricultural production must be balanced against the need to safeguard the country's long-term water security.
The additional allocation is expected to provide relief to farmers, particularly those involved in autumn crop production and potato cultivation, while maintaining restrictions aimed at protecting limited water resources.
