The CEO of the Sugar Cane Growers Fund, Raj Sharma, expressed concerns over native landowners opting to convert agricultural land for commercial purposes rather than renewing their leases. Speaking on The Lens@177, Sharma emphasized this challenge during discussions with officials from the iTaukei Lands Trust Board (TLTB) regarding lease renewals. He noted that many landowners are motivated to seek maximum income from their land after their agricultural leases expire, as agricultural incomes are often not substantial.
Sharma stated, “We have been pursuing them to retain the good land area in the event that these farmers are not given that land.” He reiterated the importance of ensuring that suitable replacement land is provided for agricultural purposes, aiming to maintain the viability of the farming sector.
While discussions surrounding lease renewals have yielded both positive and negative results, Sharma expressed gratitude towards TLTB for their cooperative relationship, which has facilitated the renewal of some leases. This emphasis on collaboration suggests that ongoing dialogue between landowners and institutions like TLTB could lead to more favorable outcomes for the agricultural community.
The situation reflects broader challenges faced by the agricultural sector, as similar reports have indicated that factors such as unpaid rents and underutilization of agricultural land contribute to challenges in lease renewals. Both farmers and landowners must engage with stakeholders to approach these complexities constructively and work toward revitalizing the sugarcane industry and sustainable agricultural practices.
Optimistically, the potential for reform and enhanced collaboration may lead to solutions that benefit both landowners and farmers, fostering a more robust agricultural framework and ensuring fair economic returns for those involved.
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