Mahendra Chaudhry, the general secretary of the National Farmers Union, has defended the legal rights of absentee farmers in response to remarks made by Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh. Singh called on absentee farmers to surrender their farm leases, suggesting that many of these landholders, often residing abroad, are not actively contributing to the local agricultural sector.
Chaudhry asserted that these absentee leaseholders hold the same legal rights as absentee landlords and landowners, emphasizing that such rights should be honored. He expressed concern over the implications these statements have for the security and stability of cane farmers and other tenants, particularly under the current Rabuka Coalition government. Reports have emerged indicating that some tenants with valid leases have been informed by the iTaukei Land Trust Board (iTLTB) and the Lands Department that their leases may not be renewed.
Chaudhry criticized the government for fostering an environment of insecurity regarding land tenure, arguing that such statements undermine agricultural growth and stability in the sector. This situation has sparked fears among stakeholders about their future in farming, especially in a time when the sugar industry is already facing significant challenges.
The broader context includes ongoing discussions about agricultural productivity in Fiji, where sugarcane yields have seen a dramatic decline, dropping from an average of 100 tons per hectare to approximately 47 tons. Factors contributing to this decline range from inadequate support from the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) to financial hardships faced by farmers.
In light of these challenges, a collaborative approach among farmers, landowners, and the iTLTB is essential to foster dialogue and reform that can stabilize and revitalize the sugarcane industry. A hopeful outlook persists as stakeholders are pushed to engage in constructive conversations that can potentially enhance productivity and ensure fair treatment for all involved parties.
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