Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu has addressed worries regarding the non-renewal of agricultural land leases, assuring that efforts are underway to balance the needs of both farmers and landowners. In his statement in Parliament, he emphasized the importance of agriculture to Fiji’s economy, indicating that between 85 to 87 percent of land lease renewals have been successfully processed.
Despite these successes, challenges persist, with only half of the estimated 30,000 to 50,000 hectares designated for agriculture currently being utilized effectively. Vasu acknowledged that the traditional five-year consultation period before a lease expires has raised significant concerns among farmers, who feel it’s not adequate for preparing for potential non-renewal of their leases. To address this, the government is introducing a ten-year consultation period aimed at better meeting these needs.
The non-renewal of leases can be attributed to several factors including breaches of lease agreements, underutilization of the land, and outstanding lease payments. To mitigate delays in renewals, farmers are encouraged to relinquish portions of land that they are not actively using. Furthermore, some landowners are seeking to reclaim land for the sake of food security or through rezoning as community development progresses.
To assist with lease renewals, the government allocated $1.2 million in grants to 218 farmers last year. Vasu highlighted the ongoing efforts of the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) to ensure thorough consultations that address the needs of both farmers and landowners. He urged members of Parliament to refer any unresolved issues to TLTB offices or his ministry for resolution.
“Our goal is to ensure that all issues are addressed fairly and equitably,” Vasu stated, emphasizing a collaborative approach to dispute resolution.
This initiative represents a proactive step toward fostering a more supportive environment for farmers, enhancing agricultural productivity, and ultimately contributing positively to Fiji’s economy.
In summary, the government is implementing measures to improve land lease renewals, with a focus on longer consultation periods and support for both landowners and farmers, demonstrating a commitment to agricultural resilience and sustainable development in Fiji.
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