**Title: MPs Warn Water Crisis Threatens Future of Farming**
In a recent meeting of the House agriculture committee, Members of Parliament (MPs) expressed serious concerns regarding the current water policy in Cyprus, warning that it could jeopardize the future of professional farming in the country. The meeting, which included newly elected committee members and Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou, highlighted the critical issues surrounding water management and its implications for the agricultural sector.
Akel MP and committee chairman Yiannakis Gavriel raised alarms about the sustainability of the primary agricultural sector, particularly regarding seasonal crops. He warned that without immediate intervention, “within three years there will be no primary sector,” emphasizing the exclusion of seasonal crops from this year’s irrigation allocations. This exclusion has raised questions about the government’s commitment to supporting farmers who rely on these crops for their livelihoods.
The MPs also scrutinized the government's decision to extend water supplies from dams to four golf courses until September, despite previous assurances that such practices would cease in May. Gavriel questioned the rationale behind this extension, suggesting that it prioritizes recreational facilities over the needs of local farmers. Minister Panayiotou defended the decision, stating that the golf course operators had requested a “short extension” to complete necessary water infrastructure projects. She clarified that these courses are currently receiving only 1.5 percent of the available water stored in dams, a percentage she assured would not be exceeded.
During the meeting, Panayiotou outlined the government’s water management strategy, which she described as a careful balance between supporting agricultural production and preserving water reserves for future use. She noted that irrigation allocations for 2026 have been adjusted to prioritize permanent crops, greenhouses, livestock, and industrial needs, reflecting a three-year planning framework aimed at long-term sustainability. The minister reported an increase in irrigation allocations from approximately 15.3 million cubic meters to 18.7 million cubic meters, attributing this to improved rainfall and reservoir inflows. She stated that the additional water would be directed exclusively to professional farmers.
In an effort to bolster long-term water security, Panayiotou highlighted the government’s initiative to enhance desalination capabilities, noting that four desalination plants have become operational within the past two years, with plans for additional units to come online later this year and in 2027. “We are solving the water supply problem, covering 100 percent of the needs from desalination,” she asserted, aiming to ensure that water from dams can be consistently available for agricultural use.
The meeting also addressed the ongoing foot and mouth disease crisis affecting livestock farmers. Panayiotou reported no recent cases of the disease and announced that compensation payments exceeding €28 million for affected farmers would commence by early next week. She indicated that the second phase of vaccinations would be completed by early autumn and that veterinary authorities are reviewing requests from farmers for further easing of restrictions.
Panayiotou presented the government’s Primary Sector Strategy, which she described as the most extensive reform package undertaken by the ministry. This strategy includes 11 actions with a total budget of €109.3 million, of which two actions have been completed and seven are currently in progress. A study from the University of Cyprus cited by the minister predicts that the strategy could generate an additional €138.6 million in economic activity, increase gross domestic product by €70.8 million, and create approximately 1,370 jobs.
However, concerns remain among MPs regarding the implementation of irrigation projects and infrastructure upgrades. Diko president Nikolas Papadopoulos called for clear timelines for these projects and questioned the progress made by district local government organizations in reducing water losses. Akel MP Valentinos Fakontis criticized the €10.5 million allocated for pipeline replacement as insufficient, describing it as “a drop in the ocean.” Disy MP Charalambos Pazaros echoed these concerns, warning that ongoing water shortages and delays in compensation could drive more farmers out of the agricultural sector.
As the discussion continues, the future of farming in Cyprus hangs in the balance, with MPs urging the government to take decisive action to address the water crisis and support the agricultural community. The outcomes of these deliberations will be crucial in determining the sustainability of the primary sector and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.