Debar, 16 August 2023 (MIA) - As we progress with the EU negotiations, our country will progress towards new available funds. I believe in you and I sure that you will choose the path towards development and progress, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Ljupcho Nikolovski said on Wednesday in Debar.

Nikolovski pointed out that the Ministry and Government are committed to achieving North Macedonia’s goal of having modern irrigation systems, which is confirmed with the new capital projects for water management.

"The construction of the Konsko dam, which is the biggest infrastructure project initiated within the last 50 years, the construction of the main Raven-Rechica irrigation system, and dam on Orizarska river have reached their final phase. These projects will provide irrigation for 10,000 new hectares of agricultural land," Nikolovski said.

He stressed that with EU's support and funds, more irrigation systems are being built in Slavisko Pole, Konopnica, Tearce, Chaushica, and Pashica, which are only part of the systems that have already started construction, with more plans of building two new systems in Sopot and Novaci, and an investment worth EUR 10 million.

"The IPARD programme is for the development of Macedonian agriculture, with which we receive EUR 97 million in non-refundable funds from the EU, to be used for modernizing agriculture in North Macedonia," Nikolovski added.

According to him, "as we progress with the negotiations, the country will progress towards new available funds."
"Important moments for decisions lay before us, so that you know how important it is to not turn away from the European path. As a government, we offer you that path, which means development and progress, which means the future. On the other hand, there are blockades, standing in one place, and giving up all of these opportunities. I believe in you, and I am sure that you will choose the path of development and progress," the Minister stressed. ssh/sk/

Photo: MIA