The Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panagiotou, referred to a series of measures and plans promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment to support fishermen.
Answering a relevant question in the context of the 11th Fish Festival of the Municipality of Polis Chrysochous, he said that the plan for the pufferfish is already being implemented, which has received particularly positive comments even at the European level, as he mentioned.
"We are showing our know-how in other countries as well," he noted.
At the same time, the Minister referred to the compensation plan for the destruction of dolphin nets, which aims to directly support fishermen, as well as plans related to the modification and upgrading of fishing vessels.
He also made special reference to a new initiative promoted with the contribution of Commissioner Costas Kadis, which concerns the preparation of a plan to support fishermen due to increased energy costs.
As he explained, this plan is in the process of being formulated and is expected to cover the period from February to the end of the year, with retroactive effect.
Concluding, Mrs. Panagiotou underlined that the profession of fisherman is particularly difficult and requires substantial support. "Fishermen need support and supplement to their income and we must be by their side with projects," he said.
