Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu has addressed worries regarding the non-renewal of agricultural land leases, promising that measures are being implemented to balance the requirements of farmers and landowners. In a recent Parliamentary session, Mr. Vasu highlighted the significant role agriculture plays in Fiji’s economy, noting that between 85 to 87 percent of lease renewals have been successfully processed.
However, he acknowledged existing challenges, revealing that only 50 percent of the 30,000 to 50,000 hectares designated for agricultural use are currently being utilized. Mr. Vasu explained that five years prior to the expiration of a lease, the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) conducts consultations with farmers. Nevertheless, he conceded that this timeframe may not be sufficient for farmers to adequately prepare if their leases are not renewed.
To improve this situation, the Government is now facilitating a 10-year consultation period, which aims to better address farmers’ concerns. Key reasons for the non-renewal of leases include breaches of lease contracts, underutilization of land, and failure to pay lease arrears. Farmers are encouraged to surrender portions of land that they are not actively using to prevent delays in the renewal process.
Additionally, some landowners express a desire to reclaim land for food security or rezoning as development progresses. To assist with renewals, the Government allocated $1.2 million in grants to 218 farmers last year. Mr. Vasu emphasized that TLTB is dedicated to thorough consultations to assist both farmers and landowners, urging Members of Parliament to direct unresolved cases to TLTB offices or his ministry for resolution.
“Our objective is to ensure that issues are addressed fairly, taking into account the perspectives from both sides,” stated Mr. Vasu, indicating a commitment to equitable dispute resolution.
This proactive approach can foster better relationships between farmers and landowners while ensuring that agricultural land is used efficiently. By extending the consultation period, farmers are given more time to adapt to any potential changes, leading to a more sustainable agricultural future in Fiji.
In summary, the Government is taking significant steps to address the concerns of farmers about land lease renewals, including a new consultation timeline and financial support, highlighting a commitment to agricultural sustainability and responsible land management.
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