Farmers say lease uncertainty fuels fears for sugar industry's future

Uncertainty over expiring agricultural leases has emerged as one of the biggest concerns facing Fiji's sugar industry, with farmers calling for long-term land solutions to protect their livelihoods and sustain cane production.

The issue was raised during the Parliamentary Special Committee on the Sugar Industry consultation in Seaqaqa, where farmers urged landowners and the Government to find ways to allow experienced sugarcane growers to remain on the land.

Seaqaqa sugarcane farmer Tevita Waqavakatoga said many farmers were anxious about their future as their leases neared expiry.

Seaqaqa sugarcane farmer Tevita Waqavakatoga

Devisha Prakash

"Most of them are born, breed and die as farmers. They are thinking about their families and what they will do tomorrow," he said.

Mr Waqavakatoga said many Indo-Fijian sugarcane farmers had spent their lives in the industry and possessed the experience needed to keep it viable.

"If there is something the Government can do to help these farmers stay, they can continue sugarcane farming," he said.

Acknowledging that land issues were sensitive, he said meaningful discussions between landowners and farmers were essential.

"This is the only way forward. We need to sit down and talk to the landowners," he said.

Mr Waqavakatoga said landowners would always retain ownership of their land while farmers could continue contributing through its productive use.

"Land will be left behind when we go, but we are here to till the land," he said.

TLTB outlines lease options

Responding to the concerns, iTaukei Land Trust Board chief executive officer Solomone Nata said farmers had options when applying for new agricultural leases.

He said applicants could choose between 30-year and 50-year leases, with different rental rates applying.

"For 10 acres, I think that is quite cheap. We can discuss your case," Mr Nata said.

He explained that agricultural lease rentals were determined under the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act, with rent calculated at 6 per cent of the unimproved capital value of the land.

Mr Nata said the rental process followed the legal framework and encouraged farmers to engage directly with TLTB to discuss their individual circumstances.

The consultation comes as sugarcane farmers across the country continue to voice concerns that lease uncertainty is affecting their confidence to invest in their farms and plan for the future.