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- Ελληνικά
In order to finalize the new strategy for the development of the primary sector, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Dr. Maria Panayiotou started meetings with groups of producers, farmers and professional fishermen in Famagusta province.
The Minister, accompanied by the Director General of the Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mr. Andreas Grigoriou, and officials of the Department of Agriculture, toured the free Famagusta region yesterday until late afternoon. The tour is the first of a series of visits planned on a nationwide basis and will be completed within the next few weeks, with the aim of integrating the views of all stakeholders into the new strategy for the development of the primary sector.
The Minister, in order to consult key pillars that fall under the new strategy following the study carried out to formulate an integrated approach for the sustainable strengthening of the sector, met with Producer Groups.
The purpose of the contact with these groups was to record the challenges they face, as well as the needs of the agricultural sector, in order for the Strategy to include tools that will bring about effective solutions. This effort is part of the priorities of the Nicos Christodoulides Governance Programme, which aims to increase the primary sector as a contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as well as to ensure a fair income for farmers and the availability of high quality products at affordable prices.
As part of her tour, the Minister visited the Liopetriu River, where she discussed with professional coastal fishermen the problems arising from the delays in the completion of the redevelopment project of the fishing shelter on the river. They also discussed ways to improve and expand the fishing activity in order to increase its efficiency and sustainability.
Dr Panagiotou also visited the Provincial Office of Water Development Department in Ormideia, discussing the challenges faced by the Department given climate change, water scarcity and increased water needs. Particular reference was made to government irrigation projects and desalination plants.
In addition, a visit was also made to the Desalination Plant in Dhekelia to inspect the facilities, which are an important source of water to meet the water supply needs of the free Famagusta region.
The Minister also met with a delegation of the Famagusta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in Paralimni, where issues such as the development of the agricultural processing sector and the Local Development Plan of Famagusta province were discussed, among others. Finally, the issue of "baptism" of Cypriot potatoes in Greece was mentioned, on which the Ministry presented the measures being taken.
Earlier in the morning, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment inaugurated the upgraded fishing shelter Ormidea.
(EFYs/GC/MS)
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