Revised irrigation water allocation plan to go before cabinet

Nicosia, Cyprus. Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis will submit a revised proposal on irrigation water allocation to cabinet on Wednesday, based on current hydrological conditions and planned water infrastructure projects.

The minister said water availability was central to the development of Cyprus’ primary sector and efforts to attract younger people to farming.

Water management plans

Speaking before the House agriculture committee on Tuesday, during his first appearance since taking office, Senekis said the proposal reflected developments in the current hydrological year as well as completed and forthcoming projects aimed at improving water management.

He said three additional desalination plants are scheduled to be completed by 2031.

Senekis also said further water quantities would be provided through the Southern Conveyor Project for potato and tree cultivation. He said the additional supply would be significant but would not amount to surplus water.

Farming sector concerns

The minister described the average age of professional farmers in Cyprus, currently 63, as worrying.

He said sufficient water resources were essential for the primary sector’s development and for encouraging younger people to enter farming.

Possible further revisions

Asked after the meeting whether water allocations could be revised again later this year, Senekis said decisions would depend on hydrological conditions and changing needs.

“It is a dynamic process which is continuously monitored and, if another intervention is needed, it will of course be made,” he said.