With 220 million eurosduration of implementation 36 months and cover 56,000 acresthe map of agriculture changes to Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. One of the most important irrigation works of the last decades for the Greek region was presented today in Xanthi, in the presence of the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Costa Tsiarasignaling the start of a project project for the primary sector in the area: the transport and distribution of water from the Nestos River in the eastern plain of Xanthi.
The project “Transfer and Distribution of Water from the River Nestos to the Plain of Xanthi for irrigation purposes” was presented today in the presence of the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Kostas Tsiara.
The project is part of the National Program “HYDR 2.0” and is implemented through a Public and Private Partnership (PPP), funded by the Recovery and Rules Fund (EUR 51 million) and a total budget of EUR 220 million. The contract with the contractor company GEK TERNA SA Signed on 6/8 this year and the duration of the project is set at 36 months.
A strategic project for rural development
The new irrigation system will meet the needs of 56,000 acres of land, serving about 5,000 farmers in areas such as Avdera, Skrodato, Mandra, Pedestrian and Nel. The project is expected to decisively tackle brawling, improve crop quality and reduce production costs by enhancing the competitiveness of the region’s producers.
The new infrastructure includes the following: Nestos (archers barrier), new transport canal, pumping stations and tanks, extensive irrigation networks and telemetry and telemetry systems for “smart” and efficient use of water resources.
Tsiaras: “A project that transcends governments – is strategic”
During the presentation of the project, the Minister of Rural Development and Food Costas Tsiaras stated: “Nestos’s work gives life to the primary sector of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. It’s a really good day for Xanthi and the whole region. A project with a long history that finally reaches the implementation phase. “
He stressed that the project is a top priority for the viability of Greek agriculture, as it responds to the challenges of the climate crisis: “When we have sufficient water and manage it properly, there is no risk for reduced production. The cost is reduced and we are moving to agricultural modernization. These projects are not just technically – they are strategically projects. “It is stressed that Mr. Tsiaras also visited the project site, where he was informed of the implementation of the contractor.
Topsidis: “Development perspective for our country”
The Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Christodoulos Topsidis said:
“Today’s presentation of the water transfer project from Nestos is a moment of great importance. A flagship project that irrigates 56,000 acres and benefits 5,000 farmers, boosting the primary sector against the challenges of climate change. “
He announced that the Region is directly making 13 new proposals for land improvement projects, with a total budget of more than 300 million euros, through the Ministry’s P3-73-1.1 intervention: “The presence of the political leadership of the Ministry today proves that the state is supporting the state.”
Zerva: “The largest irrigation work in AMTH – standard PPP”
The Secretary -General of Union Resources and Infrastructure, Argyro Zerva described the project “the largest irrigation project of the AMU” and noted: “It is one of the first projects being implemented in the country with PPPs, showing in practice that we can use modern funding tools for its funding.”
Perdikaris (GEK TERNA): “Technical work, within timetable”
For his part, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of GEK TERNA, George Perdikaris, said: “The rational management of water resources and the strengthening of the primary sector are two of the biggest challenges for the country. We are proud to be implementing the largest project of the Water 2.0 program. We are committed to delivering a technically well -done work within the 36 months. “
Strong present from local and political leadership
At the presentation of the flagship work, representatives of the political, self -governing and religious leadership of the region participated: Metropolitan of Xanthi Panteleimon, Mouftis Xanthi Nouzenis, Metropolitan of Xanthi by DUTH Fotis Maris, and former Secretary General Dimitris Papayannidis.
A project that “waters” the future
The work of irrigation by Nestos is not just a technical venture. It is an investment in the future of the place, in agricultural production, in the environment and the resilience of the region against the climate crisis. Horizon in 2028, Xanthi is expected to change a farm ‘profile’ and pass through a new era of smart, efficient and sustainable agriculture.