Cabinet Allocates Extra 3.5m Cubic Metres of Water for Farmers in 2026
Cyprus will release an additional 3.5 million cubic metres of water for irrigation in 2026, mostly from the southern pipeline, with strict monitoring of consumption.
The cabinet on Wednesday approved an extra 3.5 million cubic metres of water for irrigation in 2026, as reported by Cyprus Mail. Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis said 3 million cubic metres will come from the unified southern pipeline and 500,000 cubic metres from the Paphos irrigation project.
Of the southern pipeline share, 2 million cubic metres are earmarked for autumn seasonal crops, including potatoes, and 1 million cubic metres for tree plantations.
Senekis stressed that the decision does not mean water scarcity has been overcome, nor that prudent management is no longer needed. The additional water will be released under strict consumption monitoring, and any excess will be met with corrective measures.
He said the move follows updated data and a technical assessment by the water development department, which found that recent extra inflows combined with consumption had created a limited margin for targeted farm support. The minister added that the government supports agricultural production without risking the country's water security.
Cyprus recorded its wettest August since 1902 this year.
What it means for residents
The extra water is aimed at farms, not households, so domestic taps and bills are unlikely to change. Still, the decision signals that water remains a tightly managed resource on the island.
- Farmers in the south and Paphos areas can plan autumn crops and tree plantations with a bit more certainty, but should expect close checks on how much they use.
- Households should keep up usual water-saving habits — the minister made clear that scarcity is not over despite the wet August.
- Everyone may see continuing public messaging on prudent water use as authorities balance farm needs with long-term supply.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
