Kirpal pushes land reforms to tackle housing and food security

Opposition Member of Parliament Sanjay Kirpal has called for sweeping land and economic reforms, arguing that unlocking under-utilised land and strengthening agriculture are key to making housing more affordable, improving food security and lowering the cost of living.

Speaking during the 2026-2027 National Budget debate yesterday, Mr Kirpal said Fiji needed practical solutions that promoted economic growth rather than increased Government spending.

He said reforms should focus on lower taxes, better land use and stronger support for farmers.

Sugar industry

Mr Kirpal said the sugar industry, once a pillar of Fiji's economy, had been neglected.

He questioned the status of the promised $110-a-tonne cane payment pledged by a Coalition Government partner.

“Where is the $110 per tonne promised by one of the coalition partners of the present Government?” he asked.

Mr Kirpal urged Government to address the challenges facing sugarcane farmers while encouraging crop diversification to improve the industry's long-term sustainability.

Agriculture investment

While acknowledging the Ministry of Agriculture had received a reasonable budget allocation, Mr Kirpal said greater investment was needed in modern agricultural infrastructure.

He proposed:

• Cold-chain storage facilities;
• Solar-powered agricultural hubs;
• Improved market infrastructure;
• Upgraded all-weather farm roads; and
• Digital platforms linking farmers directly with hotels and supermarkets.

Mr Kirpal also criticised delays in repairing the Queen's Highway at Semo, Nadroga.

“If it was the previous Government, the road would have been fixed within one month,” he said.

“How can we expect rural farm roads to be upgraded to all-weather roads from this Government?”

He said digital marketplaces could connect farmers directly with buyers, improving incomes and reducing reliance on intermediaries.

Mr Kirpal also urged the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) to refocus on supporting agriculture rather than property investment. He cited the reported purchase of the Tavarua Apartments and reports of a proposed land purchase in Nadi for a new bank building despite the bank already operating a branch there.

“These are the wrong decisions by the board,” he said, calling on the Minister for Finance to investigate.

Land reform

Mr Kirpal called for reforms to land-use policies and agricultural financing, including streamlined lease arrangements and closer collaboration with the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB).

He said secure, long-term leases would provide certainty for farmers and investors while ensuring fair returns for landowners.

Mr Kirpal also proposed expanding agricultural insurance through the FDB and introducing start-up grants to encourage more young people into agriculture.

He said unlocking the potential of iTaukei land was critical to improving food security, increasing productivity and driving economic growth.

According to Mr Kirpal, much of Fiji's land remained under-utilised because of infrastructure, financing, administrative and market access challenges rather than a shortage of land.

Housing affordability

Mr Kirpal said Fiji continued to face an affordable housing crisis despite Government assistance for first-home buyers.

He blamed rapid urbanisation, limited land supply, rising construction costs and uncertainty over land leases.

He urged the TLTB to take a more active role in facilitating long-term leases while protecting landowners' interests.

Mr Kirpal warned that proposals involving state and freehold lands could undermine investor confidence.

He said state land accounted for about four per cent of Fiji's land area but generated more rental revenue than iTaukei land, which makes up about 91 per cent of the country.

“I know Fijians are worried about the state of our cherished country, but if we work together in nation-building, we can achieve milestones and create a brighter future for everyone,” Mr Kirpal said.