Özgür Ferhat urges government to address Rhodope irrigation needs
Rodop MP Özgür Ferhat has brought completed, ongoing and planned irrigation projects in the region to Parliament, requesting detailed information from the government on project stages, funding sources and completion timelines.
Rodop MP Özgür Ferhat has submitted a parliamentary question to the ministers of Rural Development and Food and Interior, seeking an updated assessment of irrigation projects across Rodop and calling for a comprehensive strategic plan for the region's irrigation infrastructure.
Ferhat highlighted the importance of modern and adequate irrigation systems for the sustainability of agricultural production, warning that farmers in the region are facing growing challenges due to drought, the effects of the climate crisis and aging irrigation networks.
Ferhat asks for details on project status
Ferhat said several irrigation projects in Rodop have been announced or included in funding programs in recent years by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, the Ministry of Interior, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, municipalities, Local Irrigation Organizations (TOEV) and other institutions.
However, he argued that comprehensive and up-to-date information on the status of these investments has not been made publicly available.
Through his parliamentary question, Ferhat specifically requested detailed information on projects carried out in Rodop since 2023.
The government was asked to provide information on irrigation projects completed since 2023, including the institutions responsible for implementing them, their budgets and sources of funding.
He also requested details on ongoing projects, including their current stage and expected completion dates.
New projects and investment timeline
Ferhat's parliamentary question also seeks information on new irrigation projects that have already been included in funding programs or are expected to receive funding in the coming period.
He asked for the implementing institutions and projected implementation schedules for these projects to be made public as well.
Emphasizing the impact of drought and climate change on agricultural production in Rodop, Ferhat said the region's irrigation infrastructure must be addressed through a long-term strategy to ensure more efficient use of available water resources.
'A comprehensive irrigation plan must be implemented'
Ferhat also asked the government whether a comprehensive strategic plan exists for the renewal and development of irrigation infrastructure across Rodop in order to address the effects of drought and the climate crisis and secure adequate water supplies for agricultural production.
"Rodop's farmers need modern, strong and reliable irrigation infrastructure to maintain production in the face of the climate crisis," Ferhat said.
The MP called for a clear assessment of which projects have been completed, which remain underway and which investments are planned for the future.
He also called for greater transparency and the implementation of a comprehensive irrigation strategy tailored to the actual needs of Rodop, arguing that strengthening irrigation infrastructure is critical to the future of agriculture in the region.
