Sugar future linked to land lease decisions

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has emphasized that addressing the issue of expiring agricultural leases is critical to securing the future of Fiji's vital sugar industry. The concern stems from a significant number of 30-year agricultural leases that are now nearing their expiration dates.

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addressing expiring agricultural leases will be critical to securing the future of Fiji’s sugar industry.

This situation raises pressing questions about the future use of land currently dedicated to growing sugar cane. The Prime Minister highlighted that finding a resolution will necessitate a joint effort and close collaboration among several key stakeholders. These include the Government itself, the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, and the iTaukei Land Trust Board, alongside representatives from the sugar industry.

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some 30-year agricultural leases are nearing expiry, raising questions about the future use of cane-growing land.

Rabuka stressed the importance of long-term planning to ensure that farmers have the necessary land security. This security is deemed essential for encouraging and enabling farmers to increase their sugar production, a key factor in the industry's viability and economic contribution to Fiji.

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Resolving the issue will require a joint effort between Government, the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, the iTaukei Land Trust Board and the sugar industry.