Cyprus Budget 2027: MPs Press Agriculture Minister on Water Supply and Farmers’ Rising Costs

Nicosia, Cyprus. MPs told Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis on Monday that farmers are under strain from higher production costs and an unreliable water supply, while the government maintained that it is doing all it can to back the sector.

Budget review in parliament

Senekis faced detailed questioning from lawmakers as parliament examined his ministry’s budget for 2027. Asked whether the state would keep buying desalinated water even though rainfall has improved, he answered that it would. He added that the money set aside for desalination is substantial.

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Desalination funding

MPs were told that the 2027 budget provides €168 million for purchasing desalinated water. Appropriations for the same purpose last year totalled €142.1 million.

Questions over long-term planning

Disy MP Charalambos Petrides told the media that he asked the minister when the government expects desalination to deliver sufficient water. He noted that there are currently five permanent desalination plants and five mobile units, with further mobile units planned at Vasiliko and Mazotos.

Petrides referred to the minister’s mention of four new permanent plants by 2031. He said a specific plan with timetables is needed so that the authorities do not end up “playing catch-up again.”

Pressure on farmers

Farmers are also dealing with higher fuel costs and more expensive fertilizer.