Filenews 4 November 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
With the clear aim of utilizing technology, the substantial contribution of Cyprus to the European and global challenges for the environment and climate, as well as the upgrading of the primary sector, so that it can be a lever of new development, the budget of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment for 2026 was presented yesterday by Minister Maria Panayiotou, before the parliamentary Committee on Finance and Budget.
"Our proposal is funded by both national and European resources, reaching a total of €552.5 million, together with the co-financed projects (€514.5 million). from national resources). Our budget reflects our strategic choice to emphasize critical sectors, such as water – since 38% of the budget concerns water projects and actions," said Ms. Panagiotou. In 2026, he said, at least 35 water projects are being implemented for irrigation or water supply, of which 15 are considered large water projects.
He underlined that 2026 is a landmark year for Cyprus, with the assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the EU. "Our Ministry will play an important role by participating in 10 Councils, representing the member states and claiming solutions that really improve the daily lives of citizens," he added.
In her presentation, Ms. Panagiotou singled out 23 emblematic actions that are expected to determine the physiognomy of the Ministry for the new year:
1. Expansion of a network of green points and creation of 20 small green points in mountainous/remote areas.
2. Installation of 23 reuse stores, gradual implementation of "Pay As You Throw" and upgrading of the two OEDA.
3. The measures to prevent landslides in Pissouri, the monitoring of geohazards, and the preparation of bedrock maps for inclusion in a "Tsunami Ready" continue.
4. Continuation of microzoning study in Polis Chrysochous.
5. Strengthening controls in mines, quarries, explosives depots and tightening penalties for illegal use of fireworks.
6. Completion of pending issues with Natura 2000 decrees.
7. Continuation of the operation and development of the Forest College.
8. Upgrading the holistic forest fire management system.
9. Strengthening forest recreation and the protection of biodiversity in forests.
10. The abandoned agricultural land is revived by planting vines and other dry crops, fire prevention is strengthened with controlled grazing and equipment to reduce fuel, at a total cost of €5.2 million.
11. Digitization of controls and services of the Veterinary Services.
12. Strengthening of agrometeorological services (€500,000) and an early warning program for extreme weather events with innovative AI methods.
13. Creation of a DNA Bank and operation of plant phenotyping infrastructure.
14. Upgrading of the Agricultural Research Institute to a research hub and evolution of the Agricultural Research Council, with the aim of increasing research in the agri-food sector.
15. Continuation of measures to monitor and reduce emissions in the primary sector.
16. Projects for the upgrading of the fishing shelters of Kato Pyrgos and Pomos.
17. Increase in productivity and reduction of seasonality of sheep and goats with new technologies (€1.5 million).
18. Simplification and acceleration of permits for agricultural properties, greenhouses, photovoltaics.
19. Investment in the training of professional farmers with a new financial tool, giving the agricultural world the supplies of modern knowledge (€700,000).
20. Creation of new opportunities for young people with an internship program for agricultural school graduates, so that they gain experience and dynamically integrate into the primary sector (€300,000).
21. Increase the percentage of water projects to 38% of the budget from 32% in 2025. Investment of €140 million. in the market of desalination water, the largest amount ever allocated. Implementation of a commitment for the continuous and uninterrupted use of desalination, with a 32% increase in water, thanks to the operation of all 7 new mobile desalination projects implemented by the government of Nikos Christodoulides.
22. Studies with the aim of putting the two new permanent desalination plants in Limassol and Famagusta into operation in 2029 using Renewable Energy Sources.
23. Studies on water governance, loss reduction, fair pricing policy, strategic crops and the revision of the water-intensive crop policy are being completed. The completion of the Water Policy Review Study, which outlines the roadmap for Cyprus' water until 2050, stands out.
MEPs' concerns about water, agricultural production and waste management
The positions of the MPs during the discussion of the budget of the Ministry of Agriculture for 2026, in the parliamentary committee on Finance, were intense. The common denominator of the statements of all parties was the acute problems of the agricultural sector, the water issue and the delays in critical infrastructure projects.
AKEL MP, Giannakis Gabriel, described the Ministry's budget as "deeply managerial", noting that it "does not include solutions and cuts" for the problems of the primary sector. Mr. Gabriel pointed out that the discussion is taking place "under the heavy shadow of the largest and most destructive fire in the history of the country and the deplorable water situation", stressing that the government did not show the required vigilance.
"The occupancy of the dams is at an all-time low of 10%, drilling is drying up and farmers have no water at all," he said, referring to the government's "admission of failure". The AKEL MP called on the government to accelerate the implementation of water supply and irrigation projects, to build desalination plants for irrigation, to explore new boreholes and to reduce the production costs of farmers.
On the part of DISY, MP Charalambos Pazaros focused on the need for a holistic approach to the problems of the primary sector, pointing out that "the primary sector receives one blow after another". "On the water issue, we were slow to take measures. There is no water for irrigation and the delay will be paid for by our citizens and producers", underlined Mr. Pazaros, speaking of the risk of skyrocketing the prices of local products due to reduced production. At the same time, he expressed reservations about the decision to transfer the Department of Forests to the Ministry of the Interior, asking for its reconsideration, as, as he said, "an integrated forest fire management system is in danger of being demolished".
DIPA focused on practical issues that plague rural communities, with its representative highlighting the need to speed up projects at the Solea, Xyliatos and Vyzakia dams. As he noted, the Solea dam "remains unused 15 years after its construction, since the irrigation network has not been completed", while from the Xyliatos dam "more than 40% of the water is lost due to a worn network". At the same time, the immediate convening of a meeting was requested for the serious water supply problem in the communities of Solia and Marathasa, where, as it was mentioned, "the residents do not have enough water even for drinking". DIPA expressed, however, satisfaction with the progress of the "Farmer's Card", an initiative which, as it was emphasized, "will be a valuable financial tool for farmers and livestock breeders".
