Fiji’s Sugar Future: Call for Land Productivity Sparks Debate

Fiji’s Sugar Minister, Charan Jeath Singh, has made a significant appeal to sugarcane farmers who lease large tracts of agricultural land but are not actively farming these areas. He urged these farmers to surrender their leases, emphasizing that unutilized lands not only harm the sugar industry but also deprive hardworking farmers of the opportunity to cultivate productive crops.

In recent discussions with the Lands Ministry, plans were mentioned to identify farmers, especially those living abroad, who maintain leases without cultivating their land. Singh highlighted that many absentee farmers are appointing agents through power of attorney to oversee their properties, which only adds to the inefficiencies within the industry.

“Prime agricultural land is being lost, and if farmers residing overseas are not cultivating their lands, they should surrender the lease so we can allocate it to those who will work it productively,” Singh stated. He affirmed that lease agreements stipulate that farmers must actively farm their designated lands, urging those not doing so to relinquish their leases for reassignment to more productive farmers.

This issue has been compounded by feedback from local farming communities, who are facing challenges in renewing leases due to the prevalence of unproductive land held by absentee farmers. Vimal Dutt, the CEO of the Sugarcane Growers Council, remarked that unattended farms threaten the sustainability of the sector. He also stressed the importance of initiatives such as the Farm Management Agreement, which allows diligent farmers to take over idle farms, promoting more efficient land use.

Despite the ongoing challenges in the sugar industry, including a significant decline in productivity—from an average yield of 100 tons per hectare to just around 47 tons—Minister Singh remains optimistic. He believes that greater engagement from local farmers is vital to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring the long-term success of Fiji’s sugar sector. His assertive message on accountability and efficient land use provides a constructive approach to revitalizing the nation’s agricultural landscape, offering hope for a more productive future.