The iTaukei Lands Trust Board has a total of 73 active dairy leases.
Responding to Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu’s question on how many dairy leases have been renewed since 2023, iTaukei Affairs Minister Ifereimi Vasu said the land leases supported farmers involved in milk production.
“They play an important role in sustaining rural livelihood and contribute to national food security,” said Mr Vasu.
“From 2023 to 2025, a total of 16 dairy leases were formally activated. These included nine lease renewals, where existing farmers had their expired or expiring leases successfully extended, and seven new lease activations, either for new applications or previously inactive leaseholders.
“The new lease covers a combined land area of over 290 hectares, with annual rent rate agreed between the TLTB and representatives of landowning units.”
Mr Vasu said the ministry acknowledged the importance of providing secure land tenure for dairy farmers.
“Lease renewals offer not only long-term security policies, but also ensure continued land use, productivity and rental incomes for landowning units.”