The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has responded to claims made by National Farmers Union general secretary Mahendra Chaudhry, who suggested that high rents and premiums set by TLTB on agricultural leases contribute significantly to farmers abandoning sugarcane farming. In its statement, TLTB emphasized that there are multiple factors at play regarding the departure of farmers from cane cultivation.
Currently, there are 16,001 agricultural leases on 174,046 hectares of iTaukei land, which yield annual rents totaling $10,757,328.25. However, the Board revealed that approximately $5,834,636.59 is outstanding in rent arrears from these leases. Specifically, regarding sugarcane leases, TLTB noted that there are 8,783 such leases covering 75,737 hectares, with arrears amounting to $2,793,097.91.
The TLTB clarified that lease renewals depend on a variety of factors, including the payment of rent, cultivation status of the lands, and the potential reallocation of land for commercial or tourism purposes. The statement highlighted that since 1997, the TLTB has successfully renewed 85 percent of its agricultural leases, with the remaining 15 percent redirected toward higher-value uses or reverted to landowners.
Moreover, TLTB underscored the need for a reassessment of rent and premiums to ensure they align more equitably with market conditions, particularly in light of what they characterize as unfair returns under the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act (ALTA). They argue for a revision of current practices that prioritize open market principles.
This assertion of unfair blame on iTaukei landowners and the TLTB presents an opportunity to revisit the dynamics of agricultural leasing in Fiji, emphasizing the importance of fair and equitable practices to foster better relationships between landowners and farmers.
Overall, the statement serves as a reminder of the need for dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders involved in agriculture, with the hope that such conversations can lead to sustainable solutions that benefit both landowners and farmers in the agricultural sector.
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