SIGNIFICANT AID TO ADDRESS WATER SCARCITY - MEASURES TO SAVE AND UTILIZE SEAWATER FOR IRRIGATION - Filenews 23/4 by Angelos Nikolaou
At a critical juncture for the agricultural sector, the Department of Water Development (WDD) and the Ministry of Agriculture are fully implementing the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan 2023-2027, offering strong financial incentives to address the water crisis
In an official letter, the director of the Water Development Department, Iliana Tofa-Christidou, calls on agricultural organizations and the Department of Agriculture to mobilize producers, so that the available aid, which reaches up to 80% of the investment, can be immediately utilized.
The initiative aims at the rational management of resources through the adoption of modern technologies by farmers, with the director of the WDD asking for the assistance of both the Department of Agriculture and agricultural organizations "in the timely and targeted information and guidance of the beneficiaries". The interventions seek:
◗ The drastic reduction of irrigation water consumption.
◗ Upgrading the efficiency of existing irrigation systems.
◗ The adoption of modern water monitoring and management technologies.
Measures that enhance the sustainability and resilience of farms, while at the same time contributing to the adaptation of the agricultural sector to climate change.
Detailed guide to measures and subsidies
According to the list of eligible actions for large investments (Interventions A.A 4.1.1, 4.1.2 and 4.1.3), farmers can invest in the following categories:
1. Utilization of seawater (desalination)
Private desalination plants: It concerns the construction of small water production units up to 1,500 cubic meters. per day. The aid amounts to 80% and relevant permits are required from the Department of Environment and the Department of Water Development.
2. Stock protection (earthen tank covers)
Applied to potato crops, vegetables/aromatic plants and floriculture to limit evaporation:
◗ Simple support: Cover with a shading index of at least 85% and wire rope support (€4/sq.m.).
◗ Reinforced support: Cover with auxiliary pit foundation with concrete (€9/sq.m.).
3. Smart agriculture and technology (smart irrigation)
State-of-the-art technology enters the fields with 80% reinforcements in:
◗ Smart irrigation systems: Use of agro-meteorological stations for climate-based planning and disease prediction (€4,000).
◗ Electronic water meters: With the ability to remotely monitor and record irrigation water consumption in real time (up to 2" at €2,000 and over 2" at €2,500).
◗ Internet of Things (IoT) control: Remote autonomous irrigation control systems (€1,000).
◗ Tensiometers: For the accurate measurement of soil moisture (€100/piece).
Innovative cultivation methods
Nutrient Film Technique Systems – NFT (hydroponics): An integrated system of recycled nutrient solution flow for vegetables and aromatic plants, with a maximum price of €19,000 depending on the area involved.
The body responsible for the implementation, management and guidance of the beneficiaries is the Department of Agriculture. Those interested are invited to contact the competent services immediately for the submission of their applications. The director of the WDD calls on agricultural organizations, within the framework of their responsibilities and capabilities, to contribute to the promotion and encouragement of farmers' participation in water saving measures.
