Skopje, 29 June 2026 (MIA) - Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, Cvetan Tripunovski and World Bank Country Manager for Kosovo and North Macedonia, Carole Megevand, signed Monday a US$ 2 million grant agreement over a project for water management of the Zletovica river basin in the country's east.

The ministry will implement the grant agreement over the next 18 months, i.e. by 31 December 2027, including the phases of irrigation systems and energy.

Minister Tripunovski said the project represents an important step in enhancing the country's agriculture sector.

"By ensuring stable and predictable water availability for irrigation, agriculture yields will rise, new crops will be introduced, arable land will enlarge, and the farmers' livelihoods will improve," said Tripunovski.

World Bank's Megevand said the project has a holistic approach, making water management more accessible and more efficiently used in agriculture.

"This grant will be used to prepare a project that will impact the region and the people living in that area. At the same time, the potential to generate renewable energy is very important, because it is really difficult to have development if one does not take into account the whole picture. I am pleased that the project will contribute to enlarging the irrigated land, opening opportunities for farmers to have better crops and more profit," said Megevand.

She added that the climate change impact also highlights the importance of having an irrigation system that optimizes water use.

"The energy sector will also utilize the existing system to optimize the production of renewable energy of up to 15 GWh annually, thus contributing to North Macedonia's renewable energy plan. I believe that the project will reshape the region, opening new opportunities for farmers and citizens in general," noted Megevand.

Photo: MIA