Cyprus MPs have expressed serious concerns that the current water policy risks driving professional farmers out of agriculture, particularly due to the exclusion of seasonal crops from irrigation allocations. These warnings came during a House agriculture committee meeting with Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou, who defended the government’s approach and outlined ongoing reforms and investment projects.

Committee chairman Yiannakis Gavriel criticized the extension of dam water supplies to four golf courses until September, despite earlier promises this would end in May. Panayiotou explained the extension was a short-term measure requested by golf course operators completing water infrastructure improvements, with their use capped at 1.5% of dam water.

The minister emphasized that irrigation policy balances current agricultural support with preserving water reserves, prioritizing permanent crops, livestock, and industry. She highlighted increased irrigation allocations due to better rainfall and the operation of four new desalination plants to enhance water security. MPs called for clearer implementation timelines and more robust infrastructure upgrades to prevent farmer losses amid ongoing water shortages.