The government is taking renewed steps to address long-standing lease expiry issues affecting the sugar industry, with Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh announcing in Parliament today that work is underway to revive the Lease Renewal Task Force.
“We are in the process of reactivating the lease renewal Task Force, initially led by the Ministry of Finance, which will provide a more comprehensive, long-term and coordinated solution to the lease expiry issues affecting us, ensuring sustainable use of land,” Singh said.
The minister stressed that while the ministry remains committed to supporting cane farmers, lease renewals must be based on clear performance and productivity benchmarks.
“While my ministry remains fully committed to supporting our farmers, we also recognise that lease renewals must be grounded in productivity compliance and long-term viability,” he said.
“Only those farmers who are able to fully utilise the land for agricultural production should continue to hold agricultural leases. Where growers are no longer productive, or where no viable succession plan exists, the responsible course of action is to relinquish the agricultural leases and allow other committed and capable farmers the opportunity to lease and cultivate the farms.”
He added that farmers who choose not to continue farming still have the option to remain in the area through residential leases.
Singh told Parliament that the ministry, together with industry stakeholders, is pursuing several long-term strategies to reduce the impact of lease expiries on the sugar sector.
“These strategies are strengthening early notification systems for lease expiry, through which farmers are now being notified earlier and encouraged to begin renewal processes well ahead of expiry dates,” he said.
Other measures include encouraging farmers to develop clear succession plans by partnering with family members or neighbouring growers, and promoting cluster or incorporated farming models.
“These models allow more efficient use of land, shared resources and improved production, thereby strengthening farmers’ eligibility for renewal of leases,” Singh said.
The minister said these coordinated efforts aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of cane farming and protect the livelihoods of growers across the country.
