Invest in youth, rural development, urges Cyprus minister

The government, in spite of the country’s economic problems, will not neglect sustainable development in rural areas, Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Minister Nikos Kouyialis has said, adding that the prosperity of the Cypriot farmer is also an important factor in agricultural policy.

Speaking at a local summer festival in the village of Kalepia, in the Paphos district, on the west, the Minister highlighted the need to protect the countryside and strengthen socio-economic characteristics of rural areas.

He welcomed initiatives by local councils to organise cultural events, in an effort to revive the countryside, saying these promote cultural heritage and local traditions and customs.

In his address at another local festival, in the village of Pahna, the Minister stressed the need to invest in people, especially the younger generation, giving them incentives and creating opportunities to help them improve the quality of life in the countryside.

Referring to the 2014-2015 agricultural development programme, he said the objective is to revive the rural economy and secure the short and the long term future of rural areas.

“We want to create an agricultural model, which will be organised on a business-like basis and apply modern technology in farming, manufacturing and trading of agricultural produce, to render it sustainable and competitive,” he explained.